10/27/2005 3:14:57 PM

Absolutely amazing. The pink tulips look wonderful against that evening sky. Such a wonderful composition David. I just love that one tulip with the droopy petal too!

10/27/2005 3:37:16 PM

Beautiful capture David, I wouldn't be surprised if we see this one again!

10/27/2005 3:39:40 PM

wow wow wow , I do think we will see this again!! Just beautiful!!

10/27/2005 4:16:48 PM

David, very nice composition, colors & detail; well done.

10/27/2005 4:23:24 PM

Beautiful David !! very well done !!

10/27/2005 4:43:45 PM

WOW! Very well done David! Awesome image!

10/27/2005 4:46:40 PM

Very impressive image, David.

10/27/2005 4:49:41 PM

Gorgeous image, David!!!

10/27/2005 7:01:49 PM

The annual Canberra Floriade affords my
wife, Jean, and me great inspiration every year. I'm not sure how the option to upload images to illustrate the comment works, but I will have a go so you can see how beautiful Floriade can be!
David.

10/27/2005 7:33:10 PM

	Red Tulip Romance f2.8, 1/50, aprox 35mm equivalent, ISO 50. With the light in the right psition and a suitable bakground, I swear they actually GLOW in the late in the afternoon. © David A. Rich Panasonic Lumix DM...

The annual Canberra Floriade affords my
wife, Jean, and me great inspiration every year. I'm not sure how the option to upload images to illustrate the comment works, but I will have a go so you can see how beautiful Floriade can be!
David.

10/27/2005 7:37:49 PM

This is so Beautiful! I am looking at this picture for a long time! Good Job!
Cindy

10/28/2005 12:50:02 AM

Absolutely stunning!

Anna

10/28/2005 1:25:51 AM

Absolutely Gorgeous David! Great composition and the colors are so beautiful,especially against that sky!!

10/28/2005 6:52:49 AM

Clever! I love it!

10/28/2005 9:33:00 AM

Thia is great shot David .. Congrats !!

10/28/2005 1:06:32 PM

I'm perusing your gallery, David, lots of great stuff and I'm gonna spend more time on it later, but this photo stopped me cold. Gosh, it is something else. You put it in the contest I hope.

11/12/2005 2:34:43 PM

Very nice image, David! The tulips are like alive. Congratulations on your beautiful finalist and good luck!

11/22/2005 11:22:01 PM

Cindy, Anna, Tracy Baqer Laura and Stefan... thank you all very much. I do appreciate your comments.
David

11/22/2005 11:58:46 PM

WOW! This is really very beautiful! The colors are so pretty and well-matched! Congrats on this being a finalist and good luck in the next rounds!
~K

11/23/2005 4:35:59 AM

Congratulations on your awesome finalist photo!!! Great tones!

11/23/2005 9:35:38 AM

Congratulations on this awesome finalist....Best of luck in the next round!

11/23/2005 10:48:54 AM

Fantastic finalist David ~ best of luck in the next round!

11/23/2005 11:50:58 AM

I knew it David, no I want to see it one more time! Good luck!!

11/23/2005 6:18:33 PM

Thanks, Barbara...I sincerely hope you get your wish. I just came back from your Gallery...only 3 pictures are showing. The rest seems to consist of an impressive collection of Finalist Plaques but no photographs???

Thanks Kate: your treatment of animals and people imbues them with such life and animation you could be using a video instead of a still camera: your elephants on the run continues to astound me.

As for Khawla, Donna and Katrina: didn't anyone ever tell you miracle workers that the medium has limitations? Will you kindly stop going beyond them and give us mortals some chance to catch up?!!?
Oh! Thank you for noticing my little picture and being so kind.
David

11/24/2005 12:36:59 AM

Congratulations on your finalist! Good luck in the next round!

11/24/2005 4:53:29 AM

Simply an amazing shot! Love the angle you took this at, and great crop. Colours are inviting and awesome. Just wow! If this doesn't place, I'll eat my hat! ;-) Congrats in the finals and good luck!

11/24/2005 5:18:30 PM

I like the perspective here.

11/25/2005 1:50:41 AM

Hi David, congratulations on this beautiful finalist!! My 'Red Toolips' photo was also taken at Floriade in Canberra, which I agree is a truly beautiful event!! Good Luck for the next round!

11/25/2005 3:01:17 AM

I remember seeing them, Debbie...the name stuck in my mind. Thanks for your well wishes.

And judges: I like your perspective on my perspective...thanks.

11/25/2005 3:56:27 AM

David, Great job - beautiful colors!

11/25/2005 12:34:33 PM

THis photo is exquisite. I love the color and the pattern of the tulips, David. Congrats!

11/25/2005 6:21:16 PM

CONGRATULATIONS on your 1st Place win!!!!
Such wonderful shot so beautiful well don David!!!!

11/26/2005 12:42:25 PM

I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!! I was rooting for this one! A big CONGRATULATIONS on this STUNNING capture David!!

P.S. Don't know why you had problems viewing my gallery, I haven't had any problems with it and neither has anyone else as far as I know!!

Anyways, once again congratulations!

11/26/2005 12:45:04 PM

Congratulations on your beautiful 1st place winner.

11/26/2005 12:50:20 PM

Congratulations on your win David. This is magnificent!!

11/26/2005 1:05:55 PM

BIG, HUGE CONGRATULATIONS, David!!! ; )
This deserves 1st and I'm so glad the judges thought so too! ; )
~K

11/26/2005 1:06:16 PM

Congrats on your FIRST PLACE win David!! Stunning colour, great perspective and beautiful image!!!!

11/26/2005 1:27:23 PM

Hooray David!!!!! I loved this the first time, so glad to see this go all the way!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

11/26/2005 1:47:34 PM

A big congrats on this awesome winner!!

11/26/2005 1:56:40 PM

The colors and light are so pretty with this awesome perspective David. Big congratulations on your 1rst place winner!

11/26/2005 2:14:40 PM

Congratulations on your 1st place win David!! This image is beautiful!

11/26/2005 2:18:45 PM

David,

Congratulations on your first place win. Beautiful image and job well done.

Kerby

11/26/2005 2:23:03 PM

wooohoo congratulation David for the first place win...awesome!

11/26/2005 2:35:25 PM

Congraatulations on your first place win. Such a pretty image.

11/26/2005 2:55:18 PM

Congratulations David, on a beautiful first place win!!

11/26/2005 3:24:20 PM

Congratulations on such a beautiful image!

Anna

11/26/2005 3:47:47 PM

Many congratulations on your First Place David. It's a beautiful image and your point of view, though possibly uncomfortable, was obviously worth it.

11/26/2005 4:24:58 PM

Congrats!!!!! David, on your first place win! You deserve it-this photo is awesome.

11/26/2005 4:45:57 PM

Congratulations on winning first place with this beauty! The overall effect is so soothing!

11/26/2005 5:41:27 PM

Congratulations on your first place win, David -- lovely colours!

11/26/2005 5:41:48 PM

David, congrats on your first place win! This is beautiful!

11/26/2005 7:48:07 PM

EXCELLENT in every way! Congratulations!

11/26/2005 8:41:52 PM

Congratulations on your first place win, David! Gorgeous image!

11/26/2005 9:27:33 PM

Congratulations on this superb image David !!!

11/26/2005 10:07:14 PM

Congratulations on your 1st place win, David!!! Gorgeous!

11/26/2005 10:08:49 PM

I am so pleased to see this with a 1st place win David. Just the job!!!

11/27/2005 1:35:56 AM

I only have 3000 words, so I will offer my thanks in batches...
I was really excited to have a photo in the finals the first weeks after joining BetterPhoto, but I never expected to win! As for receiving so many congratulations and well wishes...I was totally unprepared for them... but very gratified.

Sharon: I remember looking at your gallery the week I joined BetterPhoto.com. It is just so daunting to so many wonderful images in one place from one person, I almost withdrew from the competition. Many thanks for taking the time to comment.

Kate: you know how much I admire your African photos; but the quality of your work over such a wide range of subjects is so high that it sets a mark I may never reach, but can at least aspire to.

Cathy: thanks for taking the prosaic and surprising us with the beauty we so often overlook; you inspire me to see better.

Evy: do you think that putting all your gold and silver back on page 3 would hide your talent? Never! Thanks for your gracious comments. When you are as old as me you'll know how much it means.

Susana: I do not think I will ever achieve your skill in portraiture, and while you may thi nk of yourself as a beginner in other areas of the field, you are already more proficient than most people I know. To you also, thanks.

Linda: your gallery is too small! The many windows are not enough to give us a view of the many things you see with that "new appreciation" photography has given you, but they are tantellising glimpse of a real talent.

Kay: you are a courageous photographer...an experimenter not afraid to try EVERYTHING, and one with the talent to match her reach. You have posted so many subjects and compositions I have attempted and failed with...inspiring!

Cora: is your site just there to make me feel inferior??!? Or is it to inspire, also. I have never seen so much gold and silver in one place outside tthe National Mint! Thanks for your generous praise.

Lorri: I love your gallery; If I were a judge it would be decorated throught with plaques. Your macros, especially the insects and arachnids are glorious!

Mary: You see things differently...no simple square and 3x2s for you. And now I see them diferently too, thanks you. Don't be ordinary ~ I'll try to follow you.

Anna: Thank you also. Your site shares the same dreadful fault as Linda's...I want to see more of your lovely work, and it isn't there to view!

Out of space and time: I will r=ry to thank everyone else over the next couple of days.

11/27/2005 3:30:39 AM

Congratulations - FABULOUS first prize winner!

11/27/2005 5:17:14 AM

Outstanding win and composit David!
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS

11/27/2005 12:54:08 PM

Thank you Jill, both for the Congrats and for your wonderful use of slooow shutter speeds, rich saturated colour and sharply defined geometric designs in unexpexpected places.

And you, Donna, Your great gallery includes images of wonderful artistry and a great understanding of the medium...I especially like your shots from the lighting class!

11/27/2005 1:19:39 PM

Nicole: I remember your gallery..it starts out in a forest, then there are lots of cats and kids before moving back into the woods and flower close-ups. Lots of clever B&W with neat colour inclusions and beautiful portraits. Thank you for taking the time to leace your congratulations.

Thanks to you also, Claudine...I see you got your wish for a good digital camera..and you have made such good use of it! Lovely work.

Reggie: So nice to gt a man's response. Thank you...I am not familiar with your gallery, so I will come have a look and contact you later.

Kerby: ou already know I think your work is wonderful...thank you for your good wishes.

Likewise Debbie...an absorbing and rich body of work. Thanks and I'll see you next year at Floriade (???)

Kristi..so many Winners, and those aren't even your best photos! I'll be back to visit often, and thank you.

Megan: just had a look at your schoolyard....I mean gallery: what fun! Thanks for the positive vibe.

Wendy, If I had your technical skill I still couldn't emulate your work; not without your compositional ability; and if I had that, I wuld still fail without that wonderful sense of humour. Great...thanks.

Katrina already knows I love her...and her sister, and her cowboys and her dog and her pa... thanks for all your support!

Jill, I have just had a first visit to pet central (AKA your Gallery)...Loved it and will be back. Many thanks.

I don't need to go back to your Gallery, Kay...I remember it so well from past visits....but it is like that park you like to visit (Bush Gardens wasn't it?): I won't be able to saty away. Thank you for your support, too.

Barbara: if it was up to you, I think this shot would have won overall first place for the year and been granted a ruby ring! And given how good YOUR photos are, I value that enthusiasm very much indeed!

Khawla, Lorri, Sue: I haven't combined your thank-you notes out for any lack of respect or gratitude, but because I have to goto work, and I have already sent you thanks earlier in the round. You all kknow that I rewally enjoy and respect your work and will try to keep in touch. Thank you.

11/27/2005 2:01:09 PM

What a stunning display of color!!! Congratulations, David and welcome to BP!!

11/27/2005 2:30:02 PM

David--this is awesome--congratulations and let me also add a welcom to BP--I have only been a member since early 2005 but it has been great learning and lots of fun. Congratulations again.
Beverly

11/27/2005 3:59:24 PM

David..superb! The other night I was planning on commenting on your finalist and was interrupted by the phone, so I was pleased to see your image in a first place slot. I also love Take the Greyhound and Easy Safari (elephants and hot air balloon) images! Fantastic! Once again, congratulations and keep sharing the work.

11/27/2005 4:13:48 PM

Thanks for the comment and the welcome, Janet. I have seen some of your pictures in featured collections and admired them there. I haven't had a chance to visit your website, yet, but I have been to visit your gallery: have you really achieved all that in just one year? Well done!

11/27/2005 10:12:14 PM

Beverlly...you are the first person I have seen who puts her before and afters on display for all to see...that's great and so is the quality of your pictures! Thanks for that and for the welcome. I'll try to get to your website soon, too.

11/27/2005 10:15:06 PM

Gratitude, Toni. I'm not sure how I feel about the greyhound, but Safari is a favourite of mine. Comments like yours are a real help to me in assessing what I do, and I thank you for it.

11/27/2005 10:29:48 PM

Beautiful image, David. The point of view is different than the standard view above the flowers - that alone makes it interesting. But added to that the planning that went into this image for the colors and light, and you have a definite winner. Congratulations!

11/28/2005 10:44:08 AM

Congratulations on your First Place win, David!

Cathy :)

11/28/2005 5:38:31 PM

Thank you Cathy and Brenda.. I notice that, although your camera work is quite dis-similar, you are both masters of the "different perspective" and the view less ordinary. Luverly, both!

11/28/2005 10:01:40 PM

A great concept and superb execution, David! The result is a spectacular image that reaches out and grabs your eyeballs and then holds them firmly in place until they've taken in all the beautiful, 3D, color form and details. Its beautiful and well deserving of first place!

12/1/2005 8:31:11 PM

Thanks for you posting, Gary. I appreciate your comments even more having seen your wonderful landscapes online...
a plea, Gary: would you consider organising your images by size? On my 151/2" widescreen I get huge areas with only one or two pictures visible because a panorama on the bottom of the page shoulders everything above beyond the screen margins, which is a bit frustrating and annoying when there is so much to see.

12/1/2005 11:28:46 PM

Thanks for the feedback, David. I can't control the columns but I could probably put all the panoramas together. Then the problem would be that the panos would still line up 3 wide which would make for some huge scrolling or people might miss 2/3 of them because two columns would be pushed completely off the screen. I think what I really need to do is spring for the betterphoto deluxe web site so that I can have a menu and control the placement of the photos by categories (such as "panoramas"). I could also get the point of sale option that would make it a lot easier to sell prints. I've been getting a steady demand for prints but its a bit of a hassle to do the transactions over email.

12/2/2005 2:12:16 AM

Wonderful shot David, congratulations on your win. I do however think that you should redo the cloning or brushing of the background near the bottom of the shot; the retouching there is now very obvious. If you could fix that, the shot would be perfect.

12/5/2005 10:59:53 PM

Thanks everyone...Marcel, I'll have a look: wouldn't want to pass up the chance of perfection!

12/6/2005 1:43:48 AM

David. I tend to favor David's so this is a bit biased on the fact that you are a David. No Not really. I think this shot should have been the grand prize winner. This is a photo and IMHO that grand prize was given to a photo that was traced and then presented on a photo site as a photo and I think that is cheating a bit. You have some great work. The grand prize wineer has some great photographic work too, but for some reason he wins with a digital paiting. Keep up the great work. Love the colors.

12/21/2005 11:10:51 AM

Thank you, David. The conditions of entry and the suggestions for clasifying your entries make it very clear that images can be created, not just taken, and I am personally very gratified to have had one of my pictues even reach the finals. I certainly have no quibble with the outcome....anyway, I really needed a new bag!
When will you be putting some photos on the site?

12/21/2005 12:23:10 PM

really beautiful photo. I like the way you have matched the sky to the flowers,it works well

12/21/2005 12:56:03 PM

Thanks, Ray...or is it Audrey?
Nice start to your gallery; it would be nice to know who took what, so I can address comments to the right person.

12/21/2005 1:05:42 PM

Well thought out and executed David!! This is SO PRETTY and I love the tulip with the lower petal...adds a special touch. Again, well done and congratultions on your recognition!! :0)

12/22/2005 4:00:47 PM

@ David R

"When will you be putting some photos on the site?"

I just posted some of th ones I sorted out of iPhoto. I am really working hard to get some new shots around Colorado.

Thanks, and still a great photo....I love Tulips!

12/23/2005 6:29:27 AM

Hi David, I had not been to your site before and never saw this amazing first place winner. A beautiful image with a wonderful perspective and presentation!

3/2/2006 7:01:45 PM

Please excuse this late "thank you" Lori and David...I don't know how I missed your comments. I really do appreciate that you took the time to write.

Thank you also, Mike. Your opinion is important to me.

3/3/2006 3:08:56 AM

just browsing you awesome shots in your gallery.....this one really is one of my favorites, David....I love tupips and the creation you have made with this....very beautiful and nice work in aquiring this shot.....Congrats on you win!! Tori

4/29/2006 11:10:39 AM

I was just looking through your gallery, very nice! This is one of my favorites, I love the low angle & colors! Very well done!

9/3/2006 12:24:59 PM

Thanks, Tori. I'm going back to this year's Tulip festival in a couple of weeks; I'll see if I can find another tulip for you!

Thank you, also, JD. I got your e-mail this morning and will gladly look through you gallery as soon as I get little time.

9/3/2006 4:24:56 PM

David, I did see this photo the last time I looked and thought I commented, but guess I didn't. This is a wonderful photo! The colors are great and I love the perspective on this one! And although it is late, I offer a belated congrats on your win!

9/22/2006 12:20:01 AM

Belated though it might be, Carol, I do appreciate you visit and your encouragement.

9/22/2006 2:14:49 AM

Hi David, I too thought I had commented on this image but I sadly discovered I had not. I think we both joined BP near about the same time. One of us is obviously much better. Just a tremendous image that took some thought to complete. VERY well done and belated congratulations!

10/31/2006 12:31:02 PM

There are several very nice compliments in there, Gary...I'm not sure the second is deserved (have you really looked at your own work recently?!?). But while I am not vain enough to believe I am that good, I am still grateful for the compliment and encouragement.

10/31/2006 9:37:32 PM