I really love where you guys added the banners for "Gallery of the Month" & "Last Week in the Galleries"...I feel it definitely gets more attention. I always loved seeing this because I too can miss some really stunning works and thanks so much for one of mine being in there as well. snoopy dance :D

ah, yes the dreaded nicotine addiction...I try and convince myself everyday that I can live without them...but they are my crutch I suppose. I hate them...I hate that I'm addicted to them and can't let them go no matter how determined I may seem to be....maybe that's the problem...I'm really not determined at all because in this small part of my brain, I love them...the good ole love/hate relationship. I sit here with one hanging from my lips waiting/begging to be lit. ~sigh~ Then I light it. What you've done is very creative Michelle and an amazing form of expression. Nothing I could add that hasn't already been said...but I feel you and I'm there.

Hey there Doug! Well I love people shots especially when they are not posed and in a natural setting such as this. You know, there will be a time when we are at that age when we sit on the bench and enjoy the little things that life offers us with the time we have left. This is actually very moving for me. I know that sounds strange...but I obviously see more in this than the typical. I agree with Michelle in the 2nd one with the lady in red being a bit distracting but again, for me, I still love these and believe they are worthy of your time. Glad you got to enjoy the day!

Well...of course Jim. :) But I feel what's worse is NOT having the camera with you and seeing a sunset such as that and not being able to do anything whatsoever...I think it always happens like that for me....so new lesson to learn, always have the cam with you. ~sigh~ I'm sure you will find a way to get that capture.

I agree with you Michelle. I do like the framing, the textures and subject matter...you have a really great eye for this. It so hard when working with contrasting colors such as a darker blue and then a white. I don't think it's terribly bad as you think...not from my view. Hey, you probably know this...but it's an idea. When I've photographed a subject where the lighting situation would proved difficult...I took a spot meter reading from the sky...almost like using a gray card and then recomposed and shot...has worked for me everytime...but I guess it's a little late for that eh? Just me babbling.

I think DB gives some great advice...but I also know how you are about the quality and power of your photography. Landscapes can be quite beautiful...but from many professionals opinion can become humdrum. Try and always include some foreground interest as well for framing and leading the eye. Sunsets and sunrises can be tricky...so getting your exposure nailed is a must. Depending if you want the foreground to have detail or be more in silohuette. If shooting water...sometimes long exposures will give movement and make for some really stunning photographs as well. Gosh, I could actually go on and on about this subject. lol. Anyway, I know you will find a way and produce some stunning results Jim! Hope you have a great time!

I always liked seeing these DB, because as always I seemed to miss viewing all of the photographs submitted. I also commend you for the presentation...very nice!

Well the thing that will solve that, is maybe the teacher can take a digi photo and use the same one to distribute to the kids and let them give there own personal touch to it as DB mentioned using the artistic filters and borders. It sounds like these kids are really going to have some fun! Good luck!

I agree, nice job removing the wire. However I can still see some of the wire on the dark part of his mane. To get that completely removed you might try the smudge brush on 1 to 2 pixels set to darken to help remove that. Because unfortunately when cloning hair it leaves a residue behind. Believe me, I had to do the same with my picture 'Friends' because of a wire as well. :)

Thanks dB! I'm glad that I'm not the only one that thinks the photography forum deserves something like this. I'm dedicated in working this all the way through. :)

Yep, it's in the proof. :) There is no quicker way with RAW files. That is the down side to it...but as you said it depends on what you are shooting. If you are wanting something for print I would definitely shoot in RAW and you have more control over the settings to correct certain situations. Sometimes spending the extra time pays off. It all depends on what best suits your needs. Great show of difference. :)

Yes, I think it can be as well. I've already started listing some of the grand prizes. As I said, I'm going to try and get donations from certain places before I state what the prizes are. As for the $50 that's all on me every other month. If there is somebody willing to fill in the gap, that is cool with me. I'll have to get in contact with the admins to set this all up and get their ok. I don't want this to sink before it gets off the ground. :)

Thanks Jimbo! Postwork is such a touchy subject these days eh? I feel that postwork is allowed as long as the photographs are from the photographer and not another source. I feel that excessive postwork should be avoided. Basically anything you can do in a wetroom should be allowed and encouraged in the digital darkroom. Which can even include combining of more than two photographs. I think that's fair don't you? I also think that any entrys should be strictly new photographs...not something that was done prior. Participants will be given a month for their entry...that way everyone has time to get thier capture. I think the super duper prize I can handle. ;)

Thanks Michelle! I will be contacting them if everyone thinks this is a good idea and would like to see something like this for our Photography gallery. I hope it works out...I would like it to.

Hey JimbO! All your questions are not only fair but good ones. :) As for if it will be held monthly, I would like it to be. However it may be every other month (6 months out of the year), since I would be the only contributor to the prizes. Then at the end of the year have a reward for the best of the best winners. The final prize would be something of much greater value and I may be able to even get a donation from a camera dealer that will contribute the prize for the final winner. I've always felt the photography gallery always deserved to be rewarded for not only their hard work and effort but the participation as well. Yes it would be themed, because the whole point of it would be like what is already being held...to push the individuals thoughts and skills...to maybe do something they ordinarily wouldn't do. I was going to list all the requirements for the contest if there was enough people interested. To be fair in the contest as well, outside judges will be selected so as to not have any favoritism. These judges will be professionals or semi-Pros. The entries would be posted here at Renderosity and obviously the winners would be announce here as well. I wish I could afford to award 2nd and 3rd prizes. We'll see what can be done about that. Any more questions...let me know. What do you think thus far? Mel