Going on the theory that your first concept is probably your best... here's mine. This is a hand-made and hand-painted beetle pin, a true work of art, given to me as a gift a few years ago--captured here in my garden right after it stopped raining today. I was going for that double-take where for a split second you don't realize this handsome fella is really an impersonator.
Can we do that? Either way, this is wonderful! I imediately said to myself, there is no way I can compete with that. The drops or water the clarity, the colors, all superb. Super Job and watch out, you are coming on strong! Here in Virginia Beach, there arn't many insects out right now. City life mainly and busy. So I have no idea or the equipment to get this close to an insect. I only have a 18mm lens and to get a really close shot, I need to literally be all the way up on it and chances are, I will loos it. So I am stuck on this one. Bummer. I think this is so motivational and inspiring to do. Wouldn't want to miss the opportunity! You are well on your way already!
Bravo, Bev! Nobody is going to be able to compete with that for creativity. You certainly did get a double take from me!! If this doesn't make the finals then I'll eat my camera bag . Perfect take on the WA. Now you can relax.
Of course we can do things like that, Steven. Part of what Fred takes into consideration is overall creativity. After your runaway 1st place win (Quite an auspicious start, I'd say.) we are all awaiting your next entry with baited breath. Not that there is any pressure. By the way - Congratulations!
All the best,
Endre
Steven Roberts wrote:
Can we do that? Either way, this is wonderful! I imediately said to myself, there is no way I can compete with that. The drops or water the clarity, the colors, all superb. Super Job and watch out, you are coming on strong! Here in Virginia Beach, there arn't many insects out right now. City life mainly and busy. So I have no idea or the equipment to get this close to an insect. I only have a 18mm lens and to get a really close shot, I need to literally be all the way up on it and chances are, I will loos it. So I am stuck on this one. Bummer. I think this is so motivational and inspiring to do. Wouldn't want to miss the opportunity! You are well on your way already!...Show more →
Strad, thanks. I am flattered, however very fortunate and humbled to be in this position. I may be leading right now, but I am sure that can change. The victory to me was getting up here, having the courage to even come to such fine people with my little stuff and hope I didn't get chewed up and spit out. Never imagined people would say the things they have about my shot! The reason I asked if we could do that was because I didn't or don't know what is what. Around here, I was thinking last night, what the heck can I do with no bugs around here in the City where we are surrounded by mainstream, military, and tourist? My eyes bout popped out of my head when I saw bev's idea and I was thinking something to that affect but didn't know if we could or not. Bev, this is just splendid and you have LAYED THE PRESSURE ON. lol and guys if you dont' mind, could you call me Just plain ole Steve? Don't know how to change that.
PATTY: Thank you so much. Your enthusiastic feedback really started my afternoon off great!!
STEVE: I'm having to sit down from such wonderful compliments, thanks. :-) Yes, we can do anything...nobody said the bug has to be alive or real, thankfully. Literal isn't a given, so just have fun with it. I'm sure you'll amaze us and yourself. Thanks again!
ENDRE: Maestro, what a superb compliment from you, thank you so much. You and others are soooooo creative, all I've done is get the ball rolling. One never knows about finalists. I sure hope I don't have to ask you if you'd like salt with your camera bag, for YOUR sake, not mine!!! :-)
Highly unlikely that your lead will change, Steve. I find that with only very rare exceptions the early trends in the voting tend to continue throughout. Besides, many people agreed yours was the one to beat and sure enough...
All the best,
Endre
Steven Roberts wrote:
Strad, thanks. I am flattered, however very fortunate and humbled to be in this position. I may be leading right now, but I am sure that can change. The victory to me was getting up here, having the courage to even come to such fine people with my little stuff and hope I didn't get chewed up and spit out. Never imagined people would say the things they have about my shot! The reason I asked if we could do that was because I didn't or don't know what is what. Around here, I was thinking last night, what the heck can I do with no bugs around here in the City where we are surrounded by mainstream, military, and tourist? My eyes bout popped out of my head when I saw bev's idea and I was thinking something to that affect but didn't know if we could or not. Bev, this is just splendid and you have LAYED THE PRESSURE ON. lol and guys if you dont' mind, could you call me Just plain ole Steve? Don't know how to change that....Show more →
I'm afraid that since she is an Emergency Room Doc my wife, Mona, treats salt like it is a highly toxic controlled substance, so should I need to eat my camera bag, it will probably be lacking some flavor. On the other hand, I may try to get some of John's home made Chili sauce . i don't think I'll need to eat my bag, though.
Fond regards,
Endre
Beverly Guhl wrote:
ENDRE: Maestro, what a superb compliment from you, thank you so much. You and others are soooooo creative, all I've done is get the ball rolling. One never knows about finalists. I sure hope I don't have to ask you if you'd like salt with your camera bag, for YOUR sake, not mine!!! :-)
Im looking at the thumbnails and thinking oh s...... I could see the antenae the repeating geometry of the leaves. Then I see it Beverlys and think I guess its buggy where she is. I also think how perfect. I actually thought of useing a paper mache cricket from Oaxaca. I guess it time put my game on.
Well, Bev, I'm with Endre. Not only will I eat my camera bag, but my little camera, too. (And my tripod!) I'm really brave when I know I'll never have to do it.
But, the heartbreaking thing (for me) is, I had the same idea. Unfortunately, I was on a 4 hour drive when I thought of it, and was going to shoot it when I got back home tomorrow.
You beat me to the punch, and it's a certified TKO! Mine would NEVER have been this spectacular.
Looks like this weeks assignment will bring out some real stuff in the creativity department because bottom line is that we don't have any bugs out right now. I sure don't have a idea what to do yet.
Edited by Steven Roberts on Mar 16, 2007 at 10:07 PM GMT
Nobody is going to be able to compete with that for creativity. You certainly did get a double take from me!! 
If this doesn't make the finals then I'll eat my camera bag 
. Perfect take on the WA. Now you can relax.
By the way - Congratulations!