Great shot! He is a real cutie. How did you keep from taking him home?

Jakebrake, this says it all! Most of us try to not let skin color, piercings, clothing, etc. affect the way we treat people but sometimes they worry, even scare us. We do know some of these are true, proud Americans but which ones? We know some are natural born citizens, but which ones? We know some came to our country for freedom from people who treat Americans as they are being treated in our country, some came for more sinister reasons. If they can tell us how we can know who is for freedom and America, many of us would like to know.

Great letter. Thanks for sharing.

Wow! The consensus of the participants seems to be this was a very popular and fun challenge! 160 Hedgehogs missed out on the fun! As I was perusing the entries, I can see that using the sandwich bag subliminally brought food to mind: fruit, sandwiches mentioned, candy, BLT and even a toaster! Once again, pets became victims, sorry, meant models. What impresses me most is the people who think to take challenges up a notch, injecting creativity and individuality. The heavily misted bag, magic markers, scribbles, lines, double bagging, and torn bags all created some super effects. Most intelligent is the person who shot with the bag over his lens in the rain, thus avoiding, the many crazy looks and comments the rest of us were subjected to! We have many witty HH's, so don't miss their quips and quotes! (Bagged the moon, where are my glasses and more!) Thank you, Steve, for the challenging, creative and educational topic! I know I will do this again! Vote everyone, don't miss checking out these photos!

Forgot, if you missed the challenge, be sure to read about this effect on the websites listed in the the challenge tips and rules! You will want to try it.

What kind are these? We only have the ruby throated in Indiana. I only have a few lingering. In a couple of weeks we won't see them again until about the third week of April. It's sad, they are so entertaining to watch. Most of all, it's a reminder that winter is coming. Concentrating on the positive...don't have to mow grass...uh, still thinking...

I think a little juvenile delinquent! Very nice, sharp, creative shots!

We live in a very poor county, mainly farming and retirees, it is hard for the younger ones to make a living and support a family. I hear they are getting around $250 a day which is very good in this area where many are on welfare or minimum wage. I am glad they are getting so much, many need it. We've been to Country Auto many times to replace tail lights, etc. they are very nice people, very helpful and know their autos. It always amazes me how men are so good at remembering details... Stats of ball games, players... And with these guys... They used the same tail light on the 1998, 1999 & 2000. They know changes on autos from year to year. Men & Boys love cars!

These are my neighbors... They are not like that at all. The directors tell them what to say and do and pay them pretty well in this economy. It is a joke among many of the "kids" here. Most of them are in their early 40's, my children's generation. Several others their age are totally embarrassed and refuse to take part. The "bear" guy, I'm sure is doing for exposure. His bears have been in many Hollywood movies including The Great Outdoors with John Candy. I don't think he is hurting for money. We do have some "characters" in this poor county but none that resemble the ones created for this show. I've never been too fond of these reality shows because they are not reality, just entertainment thought up by those Hollywood types. "Uptown People" who think small town life in the Midwest is just a bunch of idiots who are pretty ignorant and live a boring, unproductive life. It's sad when they hit so close to home and you see what people will do to be on TV and in this economy, to put meat on the table. Maybe I can get on, my fixed retirement income can use a boost. After all, no one out there knows who I am. Maybe they are not so dumb after all, taking all that cash for acting stupid.

Good info! Audubon doesn't always have what I need.

So sad when the five star of yesteryear is lost to neglect. These are wonderful photos, love the effect. Reminds me of some of the stonework laid by the CCC at many of our state and national parks so many years ago. Quality work that refuses to be forgotten but a victim of neglect begging for some TLC. Thanks for sharing.

I think I see the American flag! Wow! These are so fantastic!

I'll take one of each, they look scrumptious! On 2 & 3, they're a little yellow. You can play with WB in post processing, it has to do with the type of lighting.
In 3 it does give it that romantic ambiance. Nice shots, great subject!

I agree with bygeorge... Maybe it just needed to be level.

Quite the models...girls just want to have fun! ...or boys! Beautiful eyes, super shots!

Looks pretty fantastic to me but I'm just an amateur. What do you not like about it?

Definitely need some more storage and countertop, frig, sink... May just have to start from "scratch." I sure do appreciate my new kitchen! Life may have been simpler but a lot rougher. Great shot, really capture the primitiveness of yesteryear.