Hey Tom, When I had my first gallery showing a year ago I just used simple black frames from Hobby Lobby.  for an 8x10 pic I used a black 11 by 14 frame.  I used a white or very light cream colored mat.  these were for black and white pictures.  As far as mounting goes, we did not dry mount any of them.  They make "scrapbook" corners.  We just used the back that came with the frame.  Mounted the pictures to that.  (there is a bit of a trick to doing that but it isn't difficult.  You just line up the picture, mat, and back with eachother.  Then use a small sand bag to hold the picture in place.  Remove the mat and use the corners to "mount" the picture.  then assemble in the frame.  Don't forget to sign your mat.  I think all total for 10 pictures was about 70 dollars.  I did print the pictures myself but that was part of the showing.  Hope this helps.

I knew that the R.O.U.S's existed!  And you all just THOUGHT it was made up for the Princess Bride.  LOL

I'd really hate to meet one of those in a dark alley.

I went to my local Walmart sporting good department and found a raincoat with an elastic sleeve.  Got it for around 15 dollars U.S.  I cut the sleeve off and put the camera in it with the elastic around the lens.  It worked so well I went back and bought another one and left it whole.  So now when the camera is in it I am also.  No sense in getting my head wet. 

A person did an interesting experiment here (before the nudity in thumbnails ban)  where they posted a thumb of a partially naked female.  The actual picture had nothing to do with the nude female and their view count was astronomicly high.  Not that I think you should post a thumb that is not a part of your full sized pic but an interesting observation anyway.

That being said I try to approach my photography in such a way that if I like the picture that is all that matters.  I aproach my music the exact same way.  (probably why I don't have a recording contaract)  LOL.  If I like my music and it makes ME happy then that is all that really matters.  If just one other person likes it then in my mind I have a masterpiece.  But if no one else likes it then who cares?  I make my art for my sake and just go with that.  I have had only a couple of photos with more than 5 or 10 comments and only one that broke 100 views and I think it was my worst photo posted.  As they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there is just no figureing out the human mind.  

Jadench

You might try a program called "PC Inspector smart recovery"  I've had to use it once and it worked fine for me.  I think it is freeware with a request for donations if I remember right.  Probablly a valuble program for all us photographers to have handy at one time or another. 

You might try to at least recover the files off the card.  I have used PC inspector and have been able to recover many old cd's that were not readable by the computer.  I haven't really tried it on a bad cf card yet but was able to recover some files that I ereased by accident.  If I remember right the program is freeware.  If ya want I'll send you the link. 

I have just finished up a b&w series of classes and have really enjoyed it.  It is pure magic to see your print come to life.  I don't think that digital will completely replace film.  I just think it is a different medium.  Granted the camera companies are trying to "force" digital down everyones throat, I think that there are valid reasons for film.  It will definately teach you to be more precise in your picture taking as reshoots will lead to added expense of film.  I used Illford HP5 Plus 400 asa film (found at professional photo stores......not at walmart) and had and continue to get excellent results from it.

Have a great solution for you guys.  First off we haven't had much rain here in Oklahoma but...........If you have a Walmart or something similar close by, take a stroll into the sporting goods dept.  Usually somewere close to the camping or fishing areas they will have some moderatly priced (20 -25 dollars) rain gear with elastic cuff sleeves.  These are just about perfect for fitting over a camera lens.  The remainder of the jacket can be used to cover a tripod or the photographer.  Or if you just want to cover the camera, you can always cut the sleeve off and just use from the elbow down.  Hope this idea helps. 

Jadench

Thanks for the comment. The white specks are probably dust on the scanner. (not to be confused with dust in the wind). LOL. Spotone is a dye used to cover up spots on a photo. Kind of like touching up the white spots in this photo if they were part of the picture. They made it for color pictures also. There are re-touching pens on the market but I have had absolutly no luck with them. With Spotone one uses a brush and "dabs" on an ink like substance. That's about the best description I can give of it. The brush is very fine. I use a 10 "0" and a 15 "0" only about 2 hairs.

Thanks for the comments. I think I had my shutter speed set to slow. One drawback of film is the lack of "instant feedback" that the digital has. But it makes you have to think that much more. As far as the blurriness goes, probably because I had to put the quality level down to 3 or 4 in photoshop to get the file to the correct size. could have resized it I guess and bumped up the quality. Oh well, live and learn. Off to class now. Thanks again. Jaden

Nice shot. I think I would rather be this close to a boa than as close as I was to the diamond back rattler that was in my front yard.

Just wanted to share some info. For those that can get to a Walmart that has power, there is a way to communicate with loved ones. In the electronics area of most stores is a computer with a link to the "communication center". One can leave a short email to let them know your ok that can be read from other stores around the country. I know this doesn't really help those without computers at this time but just something to keep in the back of ones mind should you need it later. I can't imagine being without power for 3 or 4 weeks. I thought the 4 or 5 days we were out after the May third tornado that hit Oklahoma City was bad. Best wishes to all affected in FL.

A MOST EXCELLENT SHOT! Yes I ment to shout that. Wonderful colors and the clarity is great. Even the "framing" even in unintentional by having to hold the lens is good. I just bought a set of close up lenses for my camera and haven't had much of a chance to use them yet. Maybe this weekend.

Well I discussed this with the photo manager and she basically stated Wal Marts Copyright Policy. It is as follows. Wal-Mart will not assist in the copying of a photograph that is signed, stamped, or otherwise identified by any photographer or studio as copyrighted material, or any photograph that appears to have been taken by a professional photographer or studio, even if it is not marked with any sort of copyright, unless we are presented with a signed Copyright Release. Negatives or digital images of a copyrighted image will be returned to you unprinted and you will be provided with instructions on how to present Wal Mart with a signed Copyright Release. In addition, Wal Mart will not assist in the copying of any state or federal document, including but not limited to, drivers licenses, passports, and social security cards. I asked about how I go about proving that I am the copyright holder of my images and she basically said that it was difficult to prove to Wal Marts satisfaction. I asked if I provided a business card with my name on it and had the photos signed with my name if it would be good enough. She stated that it should. So I guess I COULD print up my own business cards and go that route. But basically the burden of proof would be ours alone to prove that we own the rights to them, not Wal Marts responsibility to prove that we own them. They are operating under the assumption that WE are not the proper users of the photos, unless they look like they were taken by an amateur. She also went on to say that she knows most of the better photographers as they have gone in with their work and have built a rapport with her and have absolutely no problem having to provide a release. She would recommend getting to know your local photo lab manager and getting on their good side as she put it and that should help to ease that problem. So there you have it. Get on a first name basis with the manager. Couldnt hurt. Guess that also means youre a lot better than the average weekend warrior. I would take it as a compliment. Although it is a hassle.

I work for Wal Mart (yeah I know, I'm sorry also but need the money) LOL. I don't work in the photo dept. I get to play with the golf clubs and such. (Sporting Goods Dept manager). I haven't heard of anything like this happening in my store...YET. Mind if I print this off to discuss with the photo manager (who I happen to be on very good terms with) to try and prevent it from happening in my store?