This was handheld with Nikon 105mm VR.

I like the second on best as the area around the eyes has been opened up a bit. Nice job.

Isn't that a nice park? I didn't have time (and it was too hot) to go wandering but I did enjoy the fort.

I'm happy with my Nikon 105mm VR because I can also use it as a portrait camera but it is pricey. And because it is VR, I can leave the tripod in the car.

Most of these flower pictures were taken in my backyard and some were taken at a city park. I use a Nikon 105mm lens which they market as a macro lens but it's also the one I use for taking pictures of my grandson. When I see a bloom that is free from spots, I then check to see what the bg will be like. Because I shoot so close to the bloom, naturally the bg will be soft. I try to have even lighting in the bg and no really disruptive areas. Even in the city park, I will trim out dead blossoms and remove stems and grass in my way. The bright blue flower picture is of a bloom smaller than a dime. That's hard to take unless you use a tripod or have a vibration reduction lens. Fortunately, my 105 is VR so I don't have to use a tripod. And I always try to use early morning or evening light so I'm not dealing with the sun's reflection off leaves and blossoms.

Very nice images...they do look "old"! I want to do more conversions but I don't find it that easy. I guess picking the right picture is the challenge.

The Cloister On Sea Island

Here's a favorite...

Stop And Smell The Roses

Thanks, Bob. I tried to eliminate some of the space on the right side of this photo but that didn't work so I left it alone.

Here are a couple more...

Inside The Greenhouse

I made the comment in relation to taking pictures of flowers that we weren't taking snapshots, we were trying to create a work of art. We all take snapshots but that doesn't mean we shouldn't pay attention to some of the basics like composition, background, lighting, etc. Here is a snapshot of my grandson and because he is my grandson, I pay attention to his surrounds. Now if I have offended any flower-photographers, I apologize but taking snapshots of flowers except for identification purposes is beyond me.

Now that you have focus down, you can work on exposure which is tougher. That means that you should sit down again with the book that came with your camera and go through the different ways to adjust for exposure. Using a tripod is such a good practice especially when you need to pay attention to making adjustments. Eventually it becomes second nature but until then, don't rush and make sure that you can clearly see in your camera's monitor just what you have taken. If you need to drape a towel over your head to shut out light, do it. Find a place with a nice scene and no onlookers and practice away.

Wonderful comp...

Love your work...

I moved away from my framer and haven't found anyone with the genius that he has so, no, they are not framed and hanging.

Well, you got great bokeh! Your camera focused beyond the flowers. It happens a lot especially if you can't really see what is in focus as you are taking the picture.

Bokeh is the group of circles in the background and is highly prized so don't feel bad.

Congratulations! It's always a thrill to win a photographic contest. Your kitty's eyes just pop! Very nice work!