leaf swirl
by JustCaree

Comment by JokersSoul:
Blown out means too bright or could be overprocessed (try lightening brightness or contrast). It is a gorgeous image!

Look Into My Eyes
by JustCaree

Comment by J-Me:
beautiful cropping to have hair framing the shot and such a pretty look to the smile and eyes. Lovely.

Look Into My Eyes
by JustCaree

Comment by giantmike:
I like the idea here, but I don't like the up close and personal-ness. Maybe this style shot would have looked a bit nicer (to me) in B&W.

water drop blue
by JustCaree

Comment by MacDonald:
I have never tried to shot a water drop - terrified of them (grin) You are really making the most of your equipment. I was also going to mention that before I got my tripod and monopod I used a sandbag. You can put them on top of just about anything and they really do work in absorbing the motion of the camera. I still have one in my equipment.

water drop blue
by JustCaree

Comment by Elaine:
I have never tried this, but have a friend who has mastered the art. It's a lot more difficult than it seems! We each learn our own way, but when I got my first Rebel, I learned one feature at a time to keep from becoming overwhelmed. The best part is you get to have fun while you are figuring it out!

water drop blue
by JustCaree

Comment by Kelli:
Good first try with the new camera! You'll figure out all the settings in time. (Well, maybe, I still haven't and I've had mine for a while now, LOL!)

Look Into My Eyes
by JustCaree

Comment by DaveMac:
Good crop but the light is a little to harsh on your face.

Look Into My Eyes
by JustCaree

Comment by Abra:
Pitty about those couple of strays over the left eye but still a lovely shot. 6

jalenpeno flower
by JustCaree

Comment by MelonMusketeer:
At close range like this, depth of field makes focusing very critical. To me, it looks like focus is good, but either the flower or the camera moved a little. I can see what you were after though.
At this range, I find it useful to focus the lens manually, and then use both hands in the most solid grip position and move in and out slowly with the camera to get the final focus.
You may be able to get sharper shots by using the self timer at 2 seconds or maybe 5 seconds. That will eliminate the big shake that occurs when you squeeze the shutter button. Try looking through the camera at a subject like this with the camera turned off, then simulate a normal shutter button press, and watch carefully how much the camera shakes.

waterdrop 2
by JustCaree

Comment by JustCaree:

Originally posted by MelonMusketeer: I think that it's neat that you got the reflection of the top droplet in the hump at the base of the column. The other light reflections in the water look a lot like clouds, which would be a very cool effect. I think there is a water drops tutorial in that section of DPC. I like this one better than the first because it's sharper.

The "clouds" is a wash cloth. I wanted to see what effect it gave and I liked it too!! The lighting was because I used a flash light LOL! I wanted to see if it added depth. I think it did. I need better lighting.... Thanks for the comment! I appreciate it!