I suspect the black backgrounds are likely due to the intensity of the flash, correctly exposing the subject matter but dropping off before exposing any background. Let us know which background was Not taken with a flash. Check the image info.

I like the drab gray background with the bright flower, but not sure how you did it unintentionally in the camera. Perhaps it was a combination of white balance setting, flash, and ISO. If you figure it out, let us know!

Nice pictures.
Barb

OUTSTANDING, Douglass!

Very nice!
Barb

Thanks for the kind remarks.

Didn't see your post till after I posted mine! (Yes, they are the same. I was right behind you!) Much darker here than in iPhoto. Maybe I need to calibrate my monitor and expose a bit longer.

Thanks, Sarge. Will try not to be timid about posting in the future.

Thanks, Douglass. It is, indeed, one of the more elegant of chrysalis.

Female Yellow & Black Orb Weaver spider (Argiope aurantia), face down, as is her usual custom. Barb

Yes, I was expecting way too much from a camera phone. I much prefer my D7000! Here is the image, from my Droid Max Razr.
Barb

Monarch Chrysalis

I use it often. It failed today. Would not focus any closer than 10". It is several years old, and has taken thousands of shots. Will be looking for a replacement. My phone, however, seemed to do great! But when I uploaded the image, it was so grainy, I didn't feel it worth posting. Could delete the shot, but couldn't seem to delete the post entirely. So, just edited it.
Thanks for commenting, though - you are always so helpful!
Barb

Never mind! Wasn't good enough to post.

Super Fantastic!
Reminds me to practice, practice, practice! These shots are wonderful. Thanks for the inspiration.
Barb

So sorry - I somehow missed the fact there were comments on this thread! Thanks for all the positive feedback. It is greatly appreciated.

This spider is Argiope aurantia. It is, as previously noted, the female spiders who spin the elaborate web. A male will spin a small web nearby, awaiting his opportunity. The male has to be very patient AND sneaky in order to mate with her, as she is eager to eat the male if she is not in the mood. When approaching, he will spin a safety line for a quick retreat if needed. Still, the female will consume him after they mate. Don't feel too bad for him, he usually dies after the exertion of mating, anywat. Still, that is what he lives for, bizarre, eh?

Photographers take note: the female will consume the interior of the web every night, and re-spin it. So, if it looks messy one day, go back and check it the next day. She stays pretty much in one spot her whole life, so you can return under different lighting conditions and try again if you do not get the shot the first time. How accommodating!

Again, thanks for your positive feedback. I am loving my new D7000!

Barb

Actually, the written word is also protected by copyright. If you originate a recipe, and you write it down, it is YOUR work. People would need to get permission to reproduce it for profit. Cookbook authors get permission for recipes included in books if the recipe is not original to them. Yes, sometimes people change them to look different, and many pass recipes around without permission nor attribution ... but it is wrong.

Always ask for permission AND also acknowledge the artist!

Barb

Lovely! Especially like the first one. Great exposure.
Barb