Richard, you said you don't quite understand how i'm holding the cam. Which image are you referring to? all of them? LOL! I have to work really hard on holding my cam the proper way. Kemal is always reminding me of that. i've been doing better lately. and you asked is it my reflection i'm photographing? yes. cindy, yes i would love to see both "reflections" and "natural filters" as challenge suggestions. i AM fascinated with reflections. don't know why. I would like to try some of those other natural filters that Richard suggested. sounds like fun...uh...expect the petroleum jelly. no way do i wanna be cleaning my filters for a year and a day after using that sticky stuff! Brian, i refuse to dust!!! but yeah, i think i do need to clean up my act a bit! Thanks so much guys for your input!!! ok, i'll work on the first one and see what happens since ya'all seem to like those the best. do ya'all know any artists who make weird "dirt-enhanced" images? i would like to see their work. Thanks so much again guys for the feedback and for looking at my dirty pictures!!! LOL! :)