it only took 7 years but there is a software that is forgiving and quick when it comes to removing objects like chain link from your images

there is a new software out, inpixio, that makes removing unwanted objects quick and easy. less then five minutes to remove the chain link on your images. auicker and more forgiving then photo shops clone tool,

It's funny that you are looking into photo books as I am in the process of putting one together at this time. I am us to 50 somepages and being that you pay by the page, I found shutterfly to be pretty good priced and competitive in quality to some of the big companies. I think it all depends on what you want the book to show. Is it for your personal pleasure or are you going to use it to show potential clients what you can do and how you can put their images into a book for them. too many things to get a quick and easy answer. If the book I am doing wasn't just for me and family members, I may choose to go with a different company, especially for using it as a portfolio.

If number 1 and 4 were not dead center, but along the lines of the rule of thirds hety would be strong contenders. But the Hoop stick definately gets your attention and keeps it.

Great job on these. I guess I would suggest to bounce some light to the right side in image 1, and play with cropping in image 3. You have a great eye for this...

very cool, I like how you framed it, really adds to it..

this is great, always a good day when you get it just right..

these are awesome and the modles did great...

nice job, I like the rich deep colors..

I think for your first time shooting manual did an awesome job. Your exposures are good, you look to be in pretty good focus, and It appears you understand the relation of white balance, ISO and aperture and shutter speed nice work. hope this buils your confidence and then youcan start working on your compostition. Everything in time and all baby steps. Keep it up, your doing fantastic.

vey nice, I liek your compositions and how close you got to the african grey. This is jsut an FYI, but do you know when shooting animals you want their eyes in focus. if the flamingo's eye was in focus I think it would be a stronger shot.

amanda, I think the second image works really good, more realistic if that is what you are going for, however, if you like the rich color look, you got that in the first. nice job.

yes, white balance, too many things in my head at the same time, thanks for catching that..

I forgot, lightrooms main function is for digital image management.

I have CS5 and was very lost and intimidated by both programs. I have these because my classes requier them, and because they are requiered I get to learn how to use in the different calsses. That being said, Lightroom, once you get accustomed to the options is great and a snap to use. I would sugest getting the book for it by Scott Kelby, he does a great job of explaining, and don't be afraid to play in it. I do not upload directly into lightroom so then I don't woory if I loose a picture, it is somewhere else for me to get too.