Ohhhh, what a lovely set of shots. Thanks for the pics and I don't think they are boring. I think you guys do them so well! Lots of them are in my faves. Keep em comming boys!
I don't have all the chemicals....unless you count my transplant drugs big grin but food dyes may be good.
I may one day add to the ocean of drops out there (oops sorry for the pun....nah not really giggle)
Jenny.

thanks Tom for a lively forum, quite entertaining actually. I am wondering if someone can explain this to me in plain english as I am looking at getting a Zoom lens modified to fit my Canon A95 Powershot.
I want to be able to capture the far side of the motor racing track, wildlife and other things in the distance and people and animals in motion etc. So I was wondering how this all would relate to my sitution if at all.

I check out my emails for what my 'favourites' have been doing and comment accordingly, then every few days I browse the galleries and fiend anoter few faves and friends as I upload images.
I only ever give out 5 points for those I really like, I don't know how to rate those that dont catch my eye as well. I often like to see the WIPS and new members and say hello and comment on them as I know how it was when I first joined and Melizod helped me. I try to put any critisism together with a solution in as nice a way as possible as I am no expert but try to help without offending. I too love it when someone comments as it is such a buz. Even if they just say 'Nice pic'. It is nice think someone took the time to comment.

I like the last one for spooky-ness. Jen

Hey guys,
Thanks for all the tips, you have confirmed my own opinions that it is a lovely pic for a gallery but would lack in a few places for a competition. I couldn't put my finger on what made me doubt the pic but after your comments it seems to be a number of things that let it down. For a quick shot on the run i think it turned out quite well. It is in my gallery now for all to enjoy but I think I will search for something else for the camera club comp. 
Thanks for all the insights and wonderful hints they are much appreciated and I will bear them in mind when I wander out again.
Have a good weekend.
jenny

hi Tim,
Welcome to the nuthouse, the interior of the pre loved bmw 3 series wagon is as close as I get to your end of the world. I have learnt heaps by annoying the inhabitants here and trqwling the tutorials, don't forget to peek into the freebies section as well.

jenny

Hi Krista,

I like the idea that you are portraying. I am not really into portrature and have no idea of technicalities or lightting, i just think that the baby looked uncomfortable, I suspect the base of the dad's wrist had his little shoulder at an awkward angle (just the way the baby's arm is pushed up). The fact that daddy was a bit tense probably translated itself to the bub as well.

I personally think the straight fingers of the dad looked out of place. Maybe cradling the little one a bit more would have relaxed the baby too.

I love the B&W composition is is so sweet.

Glad to contribute to the cause! :o)
Jenny

Thanks I will give it a go, wish me luck

Bryster and Danamo.

My deepest sympathies to you and your family Bryster. I hope this contest continues as it has been so interesting to watch and i commend Danamo for his understanding. Thanks for all the lovely work so far. Jenny

Tom, Piet and Dianthus and all who are touched by this horrible darkness.

I know how you all feel. After my 2 brothers and I battled Kidney disease for 10 years and things finally settled down with transplants (older brother and I)and medications for all three we were told that my dad had pancreatic cancer at 58 years old.

He passed away 6 months later.

My 3 year old neice was innocently asked by a friend (who had been away and didn't know) where her granddad had gone. she replied that God needed another angel!

Love the pics Tom. Keep up the good work. You are a champion whether you ran or not, it is the support and enthusiasm that keeps the mind positive to battle on. The most important thing I was told by my hubby is not to be afraid to CRY!
Jenny

Piet sorry to hear this ill news, I'm still trawling throught my inbox, I saw this and your email to which I will reply better later. ) But I do wish your daughter in law all the strength she needs and I hope that you and your family will take heart in all our thoughts for you in this hard time, drop me a line if you need to talk.
 Your Aussie friend Jenny

Hi Tunde, 
I put a few silicon bags in my stuff now, you can get them from medications or sometimes health tablets. Have a talk to your chemist they may even have some spares. If it is that hot all the time then maybe have it serviced every now and then at a camera repair place to keep it happy.

Your town brings back memories. I met a bloke who was from there many years ago when I was on a basketball tournament in Alice Springs but I moved house and lost his number...sigh Oh well.  Remember to use a hat and plenty of sunscreen in our hot Aussie sun, but wait a while before snapping away as slippery hands can drop fragile camera, then tears will flow!!!

Enjoy from Jenny,  a friend from melbourne!!!

Just had a guest speaker at our camera club (Knox Photographic Society in Melbourne Australia)who repairs all sorts of cameras, when asked that question these were the points he made...

What you like in looks
What you want in features/have heard good things about.
The largest appature in that lot . (more coverage of the shot)

these are all very good points but the most important is what feels comfortable in your hand!

YOUhave to like what you wind up with!!

Hope it helps.
Jen