Sleeping City
by nixter

Comment:
Looking at the orij and the finished image, I would define USM as "User Supplied Magic" in this case.

Diagonal outtake
by nixter

Comment:
Thanks for showing the rest of the scene. Did you try a level shot at the side of the loading ramp while you were there shooting for the diagonal challenge? Like the gradient in the sky, and the weathered looking wood tones.

Diagonal outtake
by nixter

Comment:
Thanks for showing the rest of the scene. Did you try a level shot at the side of the loading ramp while you were there shooting for the diagonal challenge? Like the gradient in the sky, and the weathered looking wood tones.

Brown Outtake-desat
by nixter

Comment:
This one bends the frame too! I think that the one that you entered was the best of these by far. This one is close, but just does not have the golden "honey" colors that are in the "Diagonal" entry.

Lone Tree at Sunset
by staab

Comment:
The right tree for this sky, and the right sky for this tree.
I try to avoid having too much black at the bottom of this kind of image, as it's a sort of a dead zone in the dynamic of the image.
Very relaxing sunset image to view.

Brown on Brown
by nixter

Comment:
I'm sure that it's an illusion due to the diagonal lines, the curve on the right side, and perspective, but when I look at this image on screen, the sides of the border seem to slant to the right at the top. Has anyone else noticed this effect?
Just an awesome capture, and I see that you under estimated the power that this image projects.

IMG_6904a.jpg
by dwterry

Comment:
Lovely night image. This city scape is an eye feast.
It's very nice the way the light changes color and saturation from the direct image to the reflections. This would make a good modern Christmas card. It captures the spirit of decorating for the holidays in grand style.

The-Garden
by rod1

Comment:
That's a tasty looking garden you have. I see many photo oportunities there. I would try shooting from closer to the ground, and see if I could make some object like the sundial or sewing machine become a focal point in the foreground and to one side a bit. Single flowers are always a treat too, and will be easy shooting with the new 105. The older Nikkor manual 35mm lenses will work with the D200 as well as the new ones but they must have the Ai notch in the aperture ring at the back to fit.
Good luck with your digital gear.

Mt-Solitary
by rod1

Comment:
I know what you mean about the vignetting, I have the same model lens and the same situation at 18mm if I use a polarizer without taking the UV filter off first. It sees the edge of the filter at that angle. I look forward to seeing more of your country, and it seems that you take photos with existing light and conditions, similar to my style.
Au is a very attractive country to me, as I am an independent type myself and love to travel.
PM and I will answer.

Tomato-Flower
by rod1

Comment:
I have an early 70's model Micro Nikkor 55mm f3.5, and know exactly what you are talking about. It's still in the top 3 lenses that I always keep nearby.
For me in this image, the drop of water is the focal point, and I can see you there. With a 105mm doing this kind of macro, it's necessary to really try to reduce camera shake. Wind is a problem with most of my macro like this, as I always try to "take it where I find it" and just a slight breeze moves most flowers all over at this magnification. I usually shoot at f11 with the MN and use flash for most things not directly in the sunlight. Have fun with it, and keep posting the results, at least the good ones!