It also depends on how much time you want to spend post processing. I always shoot black and white if I want black and white, and I TRY to get it right the first time so I don't have much editing to do.

With a hallelujah!

With a hallelujah!

I use Google Chrome. The only time I have problems with it is when I want to download a template from microsoft.com (go figure).

Regardless of who took the picture, I think the facts are amazing. Thanks for sharing!

Along with the leveling the horizon, the third picture is ruined by that construction sign. Otherwise, they are all very nice shots.

I like true B&W better than B&W on digital. As everyone has said, if you should go with film, by a tank and chemicals (eBay is pretty cheap and you'll find deals).

Although I have all the darkroom setup, it got to a point where I would process my own film, take the negatives and go to Costco, and have them put it all on disk. Didn't know the detailed quality they'd do (jpeg, I believe), but I don't like to spend too much time editing on the computer, darkroom work took way more time and there was cleanup.

With my digital, I will shoot in monochrome mode if I want B&W. A lot of people will tell you to shoot in color and convert to B&W. For me, I like to get it right the first time. You can have a beautiful color shot, but when you convert it, it can be bland and gradation is junk. Then you have to edit it to give it the nice, perfect contrast.

As with B&W film, you have to start off with a good negative. If it's muddy or just not good, then you have to spend time fixing the print with filters, exposures, and such.

In my opinion, with B&W, know your settings and get it right the first time, digital or film.

For film processing? Wherever you drop it off, it has to go to a special lab. Someone else said they won't take the special care you would with your film and that's very true. My instructor used to receive all the B&W film from all the Long's Drug Stores in Hawaii. He wanted me to take over and well.. NO THANKS! Too much.

My sister would use black mattes for all her artwork when they were exhibited. I use black matte for my photos (if I ever felt any deserved it). Black matte just makes everything pop out.

An obedient dog will listen, but if it's a hyper dog, find out what his crack is. If it's a ball, use it. That dog will sit still, eyes glued to the ball, anticipating you to throw it. Someone else mentioned treats. I once used a piece of pizza to get the dog's attention. Eyes will be glued to that also. Be sure to give bits after so long.

Just pray you the pet isn't something like a chinchilla (although you can use treats for those, too).

If it's a dark animal, a plain and light background will make him stand out.

Funny how you say that. I don't know about anywhere else, but over here, a lot of people don't know their rights. We used to have neighbors complaining about our boats (even though they were parked on private property), TV being too loud (at 8:30), etc. These neighbors would call 911 for trivial matters, so the cops would have to come. They would just step on our property, walk into our garage, etc. My husband would tell them to get off our property and they were not invited in (in a not very quiet way).

The neighbors stopped calling since we bought the property, but the last time the cops came (we were watching "It's a Wonderful Life" too loud for the neighbors at 9:00 p.m.), they were outside with their flashlights. I asked if I could help them and they asked for permission to step on our property. I laughed in my head and told them "no." I met them on the sidewalk.

I know of a few kids as well that went into law enforcement. The ones that disrupted the class or just never showed up. I'm sure there are those that really want to protect citizens, but the basic mentality...

Someone once proposed this question to my husband, "If you want to be a professional criminal, what would you be?"

My son and I have been wanting to go to Trash Beach and do some treasure hunting. Those balls are the ones I want. I can't imagine what it will look like when Japan's tsunami trash comes in (I don't want to treasure hunt in that). It is estimated to arrive in 2013. I'll take pictures, though.

Thank you. That's my daughter. Your granddaughter is precious as well.

I used Gimp. Look on YouTube, and search "how to change background on Photoshop." It's A LOT easier and less time consuming with Photoshop than Gimp. I agree, it's fun. You can get really creative with them.

Have you ever seen the fairy tale backgrounds? I've seen them in some photographer studios (for my personal taste, I think they're tacky to sell as portraits), and would like to play with them just for fun.

I actually like the original background. Nice picture.

These are beautiful.

I love the idea, but for me, it's a lot of work to incorporate all the little strands of hair onto the new background. On eBay, there are some sellers that sell like 2,500 - 3,000 backgrounds for under $5. I bought a couple (can't really lose at that price) and experimented. There is a certain "fakeness," but with a little extra practice and tweaking (such as matching the lighting), I'm sure I can get it down.

Below is my daughter. Note the swim cap and no loose hair to deal with. I was just experimenting on changing the background and nothing else. I think the backgrounds used are ones that are free on the internet. My conclusion? Unless I can make it not look fake, I'm just going to use them for when I'm feeling REALLY creative.

Original background.