Thanks so much guys for your feedback!!! i think i got the wings pretty much the way i wanted them. i wanted the motion, but i just felt like there was something that was just not right with both of these. It's hard for me to describe, but i just look at both of them and feel like something's just off the mark a bit, and i can't figure out what. I'm thinking maybe it's the water. that's where i'm struggling the most...when i got 2 different speeds in my image...the speed of the bird and the speed of the water. I really hate how the water looks in #2 especially....really hate it! i felt like the focus was not as good as it should have been. you guys seem to think the focus is ok though. i think i could have done better. Michelle, thanks for those shutter speed guidelines. i have to try to memorize these. sometimes i just get REALLY frustrated!!! ok, i'll try to be more patient and go with the flow....don't let 'em see ya sweat!! LOL!! i'm just really impatient and irritable these days 'cause this sinus infection i have keeps getting worse. i have headache, ha-cheew can't breathe, etc....the usual crap! i'll put these away for a few days and look at them when i feel better. thanks guys for your encouragement!!! i'm surprised ya'all like these. hugz sheila