These replies aren't off topic at all. I'm so very pleased to see that my original post was so inspiring! :)

Good luck with all these super-macros! :)

You people. I'm jealous! :)

Thank you, everyone, for your helpful replies. I will have a look at all the suggested links later today. I've heard of monitor calibration software before, actually, but I never gave it much thought.

For Doug, since he asked for an example, my most recently uploaded image is a pretty good example.  It looks kind of gloomy to me when I'm pretty sure it didn't when I edited it (with either Adobe Photoshop or Picasa) on my previous laptop.

Thank you again!

Hmmm... I'm 100% certain it is a good idea for a site like this one to have upgraded to PHP code, but.... I'm not quite sure it was implemented in an efficient fashion? RR was never the easiest site to navigate, but it was manageable, --now it seems like one big labyrinth, which a bunch of links still pointing to the old server while some direct you to the new...  From what I understand when it comes to this kind of upgrade, one usually has two entirely separate working versions of the website, first working simultaneously, and then dropping the old one for a smooth conversion to the new. Here, it seems like some sort of chaotic mish-mosh... Of course, some difficulties and issues are always to be expected...  But hopefully the powers that be will reflect a little more on how to improve site navigation. Like lots of people, there are some pages I don't even know how to find anymore...

But, of course, I am here because this is the most supportive photography community that I have found on the internet thus far. It's the people that I love, --I can be patient about the code, since I know it is a work in progress (still, I feel a bit concerned for those with paid accounts!)

Anyway..that's just my two euro cents.  I hope you are all happy and well!

I am honoured that my picture "Trapped" was selected for LWITG along with so many other beautiful photographs! Thank you. :)

Heehee. My mysterious bit of rusty metal made LWIG. I'm honoured! Thank you. :)

And good work everyone! I love looking at your pictures. :)

Thank you so much for your replies thus far! In truth, I had the same inclination to look into the DSLRs as a generally better investment, but...a decent lens seems to cost about the same as the body of the camera itself! Even if I could afford that (+ memory card + tripod + carrying bag + extra battery, etc.), I would be terrified to actually go anywhere with that kind of expensive equipment.

Purple fringing seems to be fairly inevitable with most cameras. I'm getting better at compensating with Photoshop. --Is it not an issue at all with SLRs? (There seems to be a debate as to what causes the purple fringing to begin with.)

I'll keep reading and studying and comparing...and taking in everybody's advice. It's really invaluable and I can't thank you enough. I will definitely make a point to read up on the Nikon D50.... the Nikon Coolpix 8800 looks fairly interesting as well. It's such a blooming market!

Thank you again. :)

Message edited on: 04/02/2006 04:54

What kind of camera and settings do you use to take these photos? They are absolutely breathtaking. :)

Oooooh! Thank you so much. I feel so honored. It's quite inspiring! :D

Wow, these are some really excellent ideas. Thank you so much for taking your time to play with my photograph. I would never have even considered some of these options. I think my favorite so far is the variation by Leeco. Zacko's Red and Onslow's Blue are really splendid too. I also like the crop idea by TwoPynts. Again, thank you so much! Of course, any future replies would be equally as appreciated. :) I'd love to see someone work with the collage idea and put the figure on another background, because I'm pretty sure I'd have no idea how to start doing that myself. :) Stefanie

Oh! Congratulations! :)

TwoPynts, I have a Canon Digital IXUS 500. I suppose I could experiment and see, but I would worry about my camera getting wet! :)

Oh my! Thank you! :D

Oh! How splendid! I'm pretty sure my camera wouldn't let me take a photo like the shower one, but it's really nice! Water droplets are just dazzling, amazing little transient things.