I don't mean to throw cold water on the great pix that "markngolf" gave us the link to since each of them is a great picture, but as I wrote earlier about being in the right place at the right time, we have to keep in mind that these are not ONE person's accumulation of great pictures. These were taken by MANY individuals. They were the best of the best of those events. I took a course at the Maine Photographic Workshop many years ago. My class was given by a National Geographic photographer. In those film days, the NG photogs were given as much film as they needed, and they would go out and shoot, shoot, shoot. Considering the law of averages, SOME of those had to be good. So for one short article in National Geographic, they probably shot THOUSANDS of pictures. In fact, he said that they would think that they had a good year if they got three or four really good shots in one year. So I don't think that we should be too hard on ourselves, thinking that we're not as good as they are (although I'm not saying that we ARE as good.) It's just that we either have to be in the right place where things are happening, or we have to "disturb" ourselves and go trekking to find good subject matter and wait patiently. It ain't easy to get good shots. -- PixieJackie

No doubt that these are wonderful photos, probably taken by good photographers, but then maybe not. We all know that it's necessary to have our camera ready but more importantly, it's to be in the right place at the right TIME. The image that speaks to me the most is the one of the sad couple mourning the deaths of the people killed in the limousine accident. The lighting is perfect--on her hair, both sides of his face, etc. That lighting could NOT have been planned in advance. But what a powerful picture it is. There's often an element of luck in our best pictures. -- PixieJackie

Very nice! It's a keeper! -- PixieJackie

Hibou Gris -- Tres belles photos d'une region pittoresque! -- PixieJackie (Jacqueline)

Hi Snapshot! I like No. 2 because it's not too busy. (Sometimes less is more.) But then I like No. 3 because of the juxtaposition of colors. However, I would have liked it better with another white flower in the lower left corner, to fill the gap. -- PixieJackie

The lighting is good, showing the soft folds of the fabric. Very nice. (You see many open windows with lovely curtains like this in Europe during the summer. A lot of places there don't use window screens the way we do.) There's an airy, nostalgic quality to this picture. Sets a mood. Good for you for capturing it. -- PixieJackie

Very observant of you,Carol, to notice the tiny flower mixed in with vines, etc. You brought it in and showed us how pretty and fragile it is. (I like the black background.) It reminds me of a German poem by Goethe about a violet that hopes to be picked by the pretty shepherdess as she approaches. But she never notices it and instead she steps on it! But the violet dies happily. You can Google it. It's called "Das Veilchen". -- PixieJackie

Hii Paul -- Was always interested in B&W. Used to use (and still have) a Mamiya 645, processed the film and printed in my darkroom, liked the results (DMax, etc.) but once the ease of shooting digitally came out, I succumbed. But your pictures remind me of how satisfying it was to concentrate on experimenting with B & W. I especially like your last image with the footprints leading up to the sky, making us wonder what is ahead. -- PixieJackie

Hi Paul -- Most of the pictures of air shows that I've seen have been ho-hum boring. But these are really great! They certainly don't look "static". -- PixieJackie

Hi Greymule! I counted 10 shots. All very nice, but I especially like No. 7 (the setting sun with "godbeams") and the last one, No. 10 (with a hint of color in the water adds the perfect touch). Have always heard that Banff is very picturesque. You certainly proved that with your great captures. -- PixieJackie

Hi Bill -- I like the touch of color in these. The yellows are very nice. All three images are good, but, regarding the third, try not to have a dark area in the middle of your picture because that's where the eye goes. Nice work, though. -- PixieJackie

Hi Imageal -- Your pix bring back so many great memories. There's so much to enjoy within short distances--Acadia National Park, Bass Harbor Lighthouse, etc. Your photos show that you have a good eye for capturing the scenes nicely. In addition to the fantastic views, I remember popovers at the Jordan Pond House on Long Pond at lunchtime, and waterfront views from the Bar Harbor Inn at dinnertime. Your pictures make me want to put Bah Hahbah on my calendar for next summer! Thanks for sharing your very nice pictures--PixieJackie

Hi Bill -- I do like the "effect" you've achieved -- and apparently spent time in the process. Your moniker "SnapShot" does not really reflect what you do. These are obviously more than just "snapshots".-- PixieJackie

A great series, Paul. You have patience and you're a perfectionist! The time and effort are worth it. -- PixieJackie

Hi Jamacq -- Very nice pictures of a great area to spend lots of time in. I have my own pictures of that shack, except that mine were taken quite a while ago. (Your images have more lobster buoys on its exterior than mine do.) I wonder how many cars have stopped on that 2-lane road over the years! And the scene changes depending on the tides and the boats in the area, and the clouds in the sky. You also got a good sunrise picture! -- PixieJackie