What ChaosArchangel said.
Seems that some folks here just can't appreciate a good debate,
but as there are still plenty of sites, where one can voice
his opinion freely, no big deal.

"I gotta dissagree with the use of "freedom of speech" in this argument...."

Is it really that easy?
This site was establish by a community of (Poser) artists, not by the present owners.
They took it over with the brand name and all the content, donated by the community.
So it would be an interesting debate if they had really the right to turn
this community into a teeny weeny, sponsor friendly web shop.

However, who cares, times are changing and we are just talking about a web site.
No reason for me to pick up a stick and fight for freedom.

Rosity is still a good place to show your newest "Vicky in a temple" approach,
your finest flower macro and to ask for help with all the bugs in your
brand new $2000 software.

Real art on the other hand needs freedom and authenticity to prosper,
don't try to find this here so you won't be disappointed.

cheers
Thomas

What jchimim said (post #32),

all I want to add is that I had a great time here and
I'm glad that I had the chance to meat you all.

However, no need to be sad, it was just a place to meat,
and there are plenty of other places for that purpose.

So I hope to see you all again soon at the place
where no walk on eggshells is allowed.
Or just let me know where you will hang around. :-)

cheers
Thomas

Not that I would think you'll find anything worth, but of course, "Yes, Renderosity has my permission to use my artwork from my art gallery for promotional use only".

cheers
Thomas

I never thought that pros makes the better images, they just have to make a
living out of selling them.
On the contrary, if you just shot for fun, it's much easier (though still hard enough)
to find an own style and to make great pictures and great art.

As for the pictures,
the first one is really outstanding, a precise description of the situation in just one shot.

The rest is great, I would give them still 3 thumbs at PSig, but nothing that
would move me for a long time, certainly it's just me but they "don't talk to me".

cheers

Very interesting, thanks for the link.

Great shot,
but it leans a tad to the right and maybe a crop the bricks on the right side
and the street below would give an even "stronger" composition.
Nevertheless a great work.

cheers
Thomas

Most of these zoom lenses have some problems with sharpness at the edges.
Here's a comparison between a Nikkor 28-105 zoom lens and the 2.8/105 macro lense:

http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~parsog/Guy/comp105lens.html

Nevertheless these zoom lenses should be sufficient for "everyday macro shot" like flowers and the like.
The picture here is one of my first macro shots with this Nikkor 28-105 mentioned above.

As a conclusion, the 2.8/105 is a really fine lens and at the top of my wish list,
but for "everyday" shots there are cheaper solutions as well.
(Reverse Rings, bellows, close up lenses and the like)

BTW:
Your 1.8/50 will gives you a good macro performance up to 1:2 reverse mounted with the BR-2A adapter
and stoped down to at least f:16.

cheers
Thomas

Great shots!
Hope you don't mind me beeing honest here:
I have made a very simmilar shot to your first one and there is some thing that disturbs me.
Can't say what it is, maybe the gras draws too much attention away from the subject?
But nevertheless a good shot with a good composition and great details and sharpness.
Shot 2 and 3 are excellent, great composition and a great "melancholic" mood.

keep up the good work
Thomas

Great shots! My favourite is the first one, great composition and a nice mood. cheers Thomas

Hehe,
The "dare to dream" wishlist:

1. Peace in the world and enough food and beer and a warm place for everybody.
2. Becomming rich and famous
3. A Nikkor 2.8/ 80-200

The realistic wish list:
Allready bought me a Manfrotto M055 tripod with this nifty ball head plus a monopod. :-)))

cheers
Thomas

Thanks Randy and Alpha,
went to PhrankPower's gallery, some really great shots there,
thanks for the hint.

cheers
Thomas

Thanks all, some great ideas, I got a lot of problems with flares so I'll try out Jordy's idea with a light tube and using different light colors and more cigarettes is a good idea as well, Slynky. BTW, I found a good example for these kinds of shots: http://www3.photosig.com/viewphoto.php?id=420663 thanks again + cheers Thomas

Coolness! Very "strong" and dramatic atmosphere. cheers Thomas

Great candid shot, but to be honest, IMO and for my taste the frame draws too much attention away from the image. The pose and the mood of the image is great, also a good POV, composition and lighting. cheers Thomas