-> I don't like the word "special" ... I'd much prefer
"unique" ... and You and
-> your images are definitely unique ... in the best sense of the word.
-> I've been a fan of your work for some time now.

Thanks Ed.
-> 
-> You think you might be a tad TOO self-critical?

Not at all.  I Like my pictures.  There are some I am especially proud of
even, but when I look at those done by "real photographers" (not amateur
hobbyist, like me) I certainly see the difference.  

Let's face it, I'm basically a point and shoot photographer these days.  I
no longer have the equipment to make it possible to adjust appature or
shutter speed anymore, and I'm not the sort to go sit in the same place for
hours, or days, waiting for the light to be right, even if I did.  If I see
something I like, I shoot.  I may walk around it, given the time and
ability (read lack of no trespassing signs)to find the best angle.  I may
even clone out my own shadow, as I did in the snow scene with the birch
tree, presently on PhotoSig.  Compared to most people I know (in person)I
can get a decent picture. I have them all fooled into thinking I've got
some talent, when in reality what I really have basically is good eye and a
bit of luck from time to time.  

I feel that I have succeeded in what I do, at the level I do it.  People
are always asking me what I photograph.  That tends to stop me for a moment
as, no matter what I shoot, what I'm really after is colour.  The one thing
I hear time and again at shows is that people are drawn to the colours in
my pictures.  So I have succeeded, you see.

What I really shouldn't do is look at the pictures of the truly talented. 
Sure you can learn a lot from looking, but what I generally get is the
sense that I'm just not dedicated enough to do what they do to get those
elusive results. That's when I get discouraged.  

Ignore it Ed.  It's the winter blues.  I'm not out to become a famous
photographer.  I just want to continue enjoying my hobby.  I have seen my
pictures improve over the years, and they will continue to do so, even if I
never become "great".

Karen
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