Thanks for comment Wilko. I'll crop so the cactus is on the left third and see what it looks like. - - Voorhees

I'm aware of the rule of thirds i.e. have skyline etc. 1/3 from top or bottom, not in middle. In this photo I put the skyline about 1/3 up from the bottom but am unsure of what to do with the cactus. Is it ok as centered or should I have put it 1/3 from the left or right edge? Your comments will be appreciated. - - Voorhees

p.s. I know this is not a very good quality picture but it serves as an example for my question.

Cactus rule of thirds

As some suggested I did crop the osprey. I appreciate all the suggestions. You are a wonderful group of people to help novices like myself. I'm starting to see the need for a new camera. My Mavica 1000 is 12 years old. It is only 2.2 mp. The lens is quite good though. After cropping I noticed more fuzziness. Do you think that is the limited 2.2 mp or does the cropping function affect it?- - Voorhees

Osprey original


Osprey cropped

As many of you suggested, I did touch up the "grey" area of the water lily picture. I like the picture much, much better now. Thanks for all the comments. - - Voorhees

Original with grey area


Grey area removed

Hi Carolina Wings - I took a look at your gallery and what wonderful photographs! I especially liked all the birds. You are obviously more patient and dedicated than I. I thrive more with a hammer in my hands than a camera. I noticed your birthday is Feb. 11. Mine is Feb. 12 so please send me your left over cake. - - Voorhees

Thanks Shane T. I feel I got quite lucky on this shot. The osprey grabbed the fish and landed in a tree about 50' from where I was staying. As I took the picture I was pointing north and hence the nice blue sky. I live in NW Louisiana so I don't get to see ospreys here.

Thanks. I will crop it. Results may be good.

I watched this Osprey dive to a pond and grab the fish you see in its talons. Any thoughts on how I might call attention to the fish without losing the overall effect of the picture? When people look at the picture they often miss the fish until I point it out. May not be any way but I thought I would ask. Sony Mavica 1000, f/4, 1/475 sec., ISO 80 (taken in AUTO mode). - - Voorhees

Osprey with fish in Naples, Fl.

Meives, With what you say, others have said, coupled with the fact I have no intention of selling my photographs, I'll do whatever editing I want to for results that I deem best.
Thanks for comments. - - Voorhees

Thanks for the comments and offer to clean up. While not expert I will use Photoshop to clean up the picture.
Voorhees

Thank you for the opinion. West Virginia person above said the same. 2 for 2. I'll touch it up.

Thanks for the comment. I see another below that says the same. 2 for 2. I think I will touch up before I make another print from it.

Sony Mavica 1000, 1600x1200, f/4, 1/255 sec 9taken automatically)
This picture was taken at the Rothschild Botannical Gardens in Coral Gabels, Florida. No enhancement has been done. The black background was natural from the water. There is a grey area just to the left of a petal about midway up the picture. I am strictly an amateur and have no intention of publishing or selling pictures. I have prints made and hang them on my wall, or give them to friends. This one I had printed at 20" x 30".

Question: I'm torn between leaving this picture as taken or enhancing so the grey area becomes black like the rest of the water. Wondering if there are any general rules for enhancing, or is it just my personal preferance? Would appreciate comments.

Water Lily