Hi Everyone,

My name is Cheryl. I found your forum when I must have googled a problem with my photos and I haven't left since. I've been enjoying all the photos that all of you have posted. Sometimes they take my breath away they are so beautiful. I've been struggling with my camera for a while now. I think its getting tired. I have a Nikon Coolpix E5700 that I bought used several years ago. I've taken some really nice shots of butterflies back in 2013 with minimal effort but now every shot takes thought. I've taken it out of auto and have been changing the settings manually which has helped but I still need a lot of practice. I love taking pictures of the birds outside my window but almost all lack the crisp clarity of the bird photos posted here. I would love to upgrade but unfortunately I lost my good paying job in 2010 so I must keep working with what I have now. I've already learned a lot from reading all of the posts. I have camera envy when you say what type of camera was used for your photos!

I also love horses. I rode hunt seat for 10 years and switched to dressage when I was able to buy my first horse. I love the technicality of dressage and that reach for perfection. I'm also an artist who mostly paints horses :-) I don't paint as often as I use to do to time restraints.

I'm looking forward to all of your comments and critiques that will help me improve my photography. So far this is the best picture I have taken. I took this the day after the blizzard we had the 9th. I think its a Pine Siskin. This photo was taken with manual setting. The butterflies where done with auto everything.

Thank you!