Good for you trying to get past your aversion. I can relate to that problem somewhat, but I guess it is because some people have given me strange looks. No one has clobbered me over the head...yet. I think all 3 photos are a good start for you are giving us, the viewer, a story in each one. I like number 3 & 4 the best and almost think they might be better in b/w...but that is just my taste. I am interested in hearing any tips people may have to offer on street photography, as well. Good question Michelle :)

WoW...what a magical photo! Love the contrast of the delicate webb compared to the rough textured wood. Good eye!! :)

Very nice and great idea :)

I like the long shadows. I'm very interested in seeing it in b/w, as well :)

I was wondering where the cream was, too. Is the counter top a cream color and that is the cream? Oh, great idea btw :)

Yep, I agree they are both great entries. I prefer this one between the two. I like the contrast and the different shades of green as well as the originality :)

Better to learn clean healthy habits like this, instead of all the other habits some kids get into! Wish I would have had an uncle to teach me photography. I will watch for his photos :)

Very nice! I like how the deep red of the rose blends into the black background. I would like to see another version with the stem trimmed down and more light on the rose. As I stated before, the ideas could on and on and on and on and on and.....(hehehe) :)

I would try just painting over the white areas with black in a photo editing program. Of course suspending it would be a great idea, too. If you do try suspending it, I would love to see the results :)

Welcome :) Sorry for your pain, I hope you are better now. I'm impressed that were holding the camera for this photo, you obviously have a much sturder arm than I. I think Misha described the emotions in your face perfectly and I would agree not to take away from that. I would crop off the left a tad, just along the frame of the door. That way you would have a more even backgound. Just an opinion you can take or leave. May God Bless you as well TomDart :)

One would assume John Swannel would have a very trained eye regarding the quality of photos and to me it says a lot for a master photographer to be converting. That being said, anyone have $35000 I can borrow.......pleeeease ;D

Bsteph, I followed everything up to the last paragraph. I have a few questions, and please ignore my ignorance for I am new to all of this. #1. What is CMOS on a camera? #2. Is it your opinion that only your model of camera will give this extra 20% resolution on some settings, or do you think most models will do that? [I have a Canon Powershot A40 (2mp)...no snickering allowed ;) ] I am quite interested in b/w photography, so I'm just trying to figure out what mode is better to photograph in. Converting is not a problem for me as I enjoy having control over the different levels and achieving the results that best suite my tastes. If I could achieve a sharper more detailed picture by photographing in b/w mode then I may perfer to do it that way. Or do you most of you think the difference is too hard to detect for the average viewer?

I am in awe of your ability to retain all that and harder yet, type it out so we can understand it. I truly appreciate all that information as it does make sense. Thanx for saving me a whole lot of reading on the topic, as it may have cut into my photography time and we can't have that ;)

Very cool! The ideas could be endless with this. Now I'm wishing I had one to play with :)