Cat,
When I head out to do widlflower shots or just a "nature walk", I pack an approximately 2 foot piece of thin PVC tubing that I have sharpened on one end. I also have a clip from the local office supply store which i can duct tape or electrical tape to the pipe just out of frame of the viewed subject. this works great to stabilize stems, cattails, etc. on those breeszy days. Make sure the clip is fairly light presure so as not to damge the stem but just hold it. I learned this from a nature photographer years ago and it has served me well. Roc

bstdizier,
Mohonk is one of my favorite places on the planet. I got to spend a week there at a conference recently. the interior has unlimited alccoves and architectural details as subjects. and the flower garden "maze" is incredible when in full bloom.
These are great representatrions of the place. Rocco

Sinatraman.....you know the difference between dogs and cats? When you die, a dog will lie by your chair and mourn you til the day they die. A cat will play with your toe tag as they wheel you out......LOL. Seriously, these are good candid pet photos... Paul

I am chuckling because I too find these types of subjects just draw me in.... but I am reminded of a comment from a photography professor long ago when I submitted one of an old Vermont barn. He studied it intently, turned away and muttered..."just what the world DOESNT need...another picture of a falling down barn" LOL. Thanks for helping me remember its all in the eyesof the beholder.... Paul

there are a ton of ghost sign photos to be viewed on flickr if anyone is interested.

John...
I love this photo. Its got a cool perspective with almost converging lines, good color saturation throughout, and its serene for some reason to me. I would hang this on my wall...especially in an earthtone room or in a cabin or camp....nice job man. Paul

Put me down for a vote for the "faux" HDR. I think it hilights areas that are in shadow on the original and as a chracter study it has more personality....nice job.

Brandy,
also in Louisiana (though I am a transplanted "Yankee"). I love the variety of environments and subjects to photrograph in this state. The stuff you have posted looks good... Roc

A wise man once told me "Never pay to enter a photo contest"...and I never have. There are lots of free ones out there, many dealing with a wide variety of special interests. The exception would be if you truly wanted to support some cause. I have entered several over the years just to challenge myself. some can be a disappointment, but the ribbons and the publishing is fun if it happens. Good luck!

Hey all,
"Middle aged" curmudgeon here (like if Ed Asner and Andy Rooney had a baby...LoL) Ive been into photography since high school. Ive done the whole basement darkroom thing and got a few ribbons from the local county fair photo contest. I hope to be a regular contributor as much as my meager experience will let me... I figure if I want your advice I gotta put something in the game. More to follow, happy shootin' gang..... Paul (but they call me Rocco)

Al, I love Blackwater (Assateague is a great place to shhot the wild horses too). I worked in Cambridge and Easton, MD for over a year and got some great waterfowl and bald eagle shots in Blackwater. Good shootin' brotha! Paul