500th post already?! well here goes......

[pjflan7]

I can't believe that I am at 500 posts already. I see some of you with thousands of posts and I feel a bit small. I am grateful to the many of you who have become my online photo family. It has been a blast looking at what you all are posting and I am daily challenged to raise the bar on my photography. Be patient! I have only been at this somewhat intensely for less than a year and have had a dslr for only 4 months. So I am looking forward to growing along with all of you......What pictures do you have to show me tonight? I wish I had the forethought to do something creative but alas, I have only a continuation of last night's post. Hope you enjoy anyways!

[Fred flyfisher]

Congrats Patrick.... simply beautiful shots too. Way to celebrate!

[beachcomber]

Congratulations Patrick, you already know what I think of your talent and contributions to the site, you seem to improve and develop something new or innovative with every posting.
These are wonderful pictures, beautifully captured and presented especially the first which is fantastic

beachcomber

[Hayward Taylor]

Congratulations Patrick .. I have known you for your dare to crop your photos to the max..and what a way to celebrate your 500th than with your signature style .. enjoy every images you've posted so far and I'm looking forward to more .. I'm lifting a Sprite drink to salute you my friend .. cheers

[Saralonde]

Congrats on becoming a senior. You now get a senior discount on our membership fee.

Lovely pics.

[gottasnap]

Congratulations! Beautiful set as always. For your 1000th we should arrange a photo walk party!!

[pjflan7]

Originally Posted by Hayward Taylor

Congratulations Patrick .. I have known you for your dare to crop your photos to the max..and what a way to celebrate your 500th than with your signature style .. enjoy every images you've posted so far and I'm looking forward to more .. I'm lifting a Sprite drink to salute you my friend .. cheers

Ahh Hayward, you have figured me out!!.....I was that obvious huh? I guess one does what one has to do. I have always been fascinated with macro/close ups......I like to see what we so often take for granted. I love sunsets, mountains and seascapes as much as the next person but I still return to the still life. I'll let you in on a nasty little secret.....that 55-200mm lens almost never comes off my camera. I can't ever get anything close enough. I shoot a tremendous number of photos all the way out at 200mm and standing 4 ft from the subject and every picture that I have posted has been shot hand held. I am sure that I am sacrificing some detail and clarity shooting all the way out and mostly without a tripod, but until I can afford a lens better suited to my style....I just get what I can get with my kit lens

Originally Posted by beachcomber

Congratulations Patrick, you already know what I think of your talent and contributions to the site, you seem to improve and develop something new or innovative with every posting.
These are wonderful pictures, beautifully captured and presented especially the first which is fantastic

beachcomber

Thanks for your ever encouraging comments. You have been there from the beginning and I enjoy your poetic additions to yours and others photos.....Here's to more fabulous photography and poetry

Originally Posted by Fred flyfisher

Congrats Patrick.... simply beautiful shots too. Way to celebrate!

Hey Fred, many thanks to you also for following along my journey on this site. I enjoy seeing your posts and comments. Hope your next bass is the biggest yet!

[SusanH1970]

Patrick, what a wonderful series to celebrate your 500th post! Each and every one of these has it's own beauty, and I love them all. Thank you for all of your wonderful contributions here at DPS. I'm going to add you as a friend, if you don't mind!

[jack russell]

congrat's! .. I'm still trying to find my feet wet here and yet recognize that his is a very friendly and welcoming site .. I love all your shots but #4 is my favorite .. really like how the flower and stamen jumps out behind the leaf ..

[Vinam]

Congrads Patrick on 500 !! You've quickly become one of the members who I am always curious to see what you have to share, and you consistently show your love of the craft and your appreciation for the rest of us who do the same.

For your 500th post, you show us beautiful colors and outstanding details ..all four are excellent and could be framed ... I especially like the patterns of the second and that purple color !

It's great having you here Senior Member PJFlAN7 !!!

Vin