Thanks, Eloise! All of the pics I take are when my camera is on the Auto setting, because I have no clue how to use it, otherwise. LOL With my A95 (and probably all of these similar Canons), I love how I can get rid of most of the "shakes" by holding the button all the way down. The camera (usually) auto-focuses for me, which is nice, since I hardly ever use our tripod. About the only thing I don't like about this camera is the long wait necessary in between flash photos. I really appreciate the flip-out LCD screen, as well as the size of it, too! My folks have another model with a smaller screen that isn't moveable, and it's definitely more difficult to view previews on it. You're right about the quarter, Bearstate. The preview looked clear, but when I viewed it on my computer, it appeared more blurry. I haven't had that issue with the usual pics I take (flowers, nature stuff...), so I imagine a coin collector wanting to take pics of his stash might have issues. :D From about 2 ft. away, with above lighting and flash - I usually do some editing in Paint Shop Pro (size, sharpness, contrast) before sharing my pics, as well. Some day, we'll get an upgrade on this camera, but until then, I'm enjoying the heck out of it. :) Brenda

Hey Lerissa- I just read your reply to me. My B&B ended up with FIVE blooms, it is only about 1 1/4 ft tall! It is so funny seeing this huge flower head on such a small "bush". This was the only macro I did the winter protection on(put a wire fence around it & filled w/leaves last fall) I also had put in a new macro this year called "pink ribbons"(search for the thread), there I have a pic posted of it next to a potted B&B I had bought at Walmart this year. It looks like a B&B, but the sepals are smaller & more pointed-looks like it's in the "Frau" series according to my Hydrangea Encylcopedia. As for Endless Summer, I finally did break down & buy one at Walmart, I just planted it last weekend-it is VERY floppy at this stage. I haven't decided if I really like it or not. My approx 8 yr old Preziosa is my #1 favorite this year, I am going to try to post some pics-it is gorgeous! Speaking of Frank's I don't know if you remember or not but I work at a dental office that was next door to Frank's-well I sure do miss it! They have put in a "furniture warehouse" What a joke!

Sharon, while I haven't been posting directly to your photo tip threads, I've been following them avidly. I so appreciate all the effort you've gone to to explain in such an easy way so many aspects of taking good [better for some of us] pictures. The last week or so I've been very busy organizing and then hosting our family reunion at a local fancy diner and have not had a real chance to digest the latest installments. The macro stuff interests me very much. I've tried to use my macro recently and found when I did the camera refused to take the picture?? Odd. LOL.. I'll figure it out but I suspect I'll have to dig through the manual to see what the problem is. Your post makes me suspect it has something to do with the camera not being able to focus on what I'm trying to do or the distance, or something..heh.. and it won't fire as self preservation. Smiles. I'll figure it out and then be back to digest more of your post. Btw, I got a tripod for my birthday! Yay.. I relative I had staying with me for a while apparently absconded with my last tripod. Grrrr... Needless to say I'm looking forward to using the tripod to work on some of your 'lessons'. Thanks for all your great work on our behalf.

What beautiful tiny things they are- maybe someone here can recognize them. I've never noticed any spiders like that. In fact they normally seem to be solitary creatures. I wonder what these are. Can you imagine how thin those strands are? Great photos, thanks.