Nice shots, and nicely processed. 4 is my favourite, but I also really like #2, the stalk makes it look like a diptych.

It's worked very well, in fact might be worth trying again sometime, just for the effect rather than as a remedy! I really like it!

Great shot, caught my eye as soon as I saw it on Flickr.

Nice set, especially considering it's your first outing with the converted camera. The second one is stunning IMO. I like the use of angled composition in the first and third ones too. Looking forward to seeing more!

I really like this, and the burnt out sky does not really bother me. It gives more contrast between the left and right hand side of the picture, which I think works quite well.

As the weekly competition can include photographs taken at any time (rather than during the duration of the comp as in the fortnightly competition) it puts those of us who only shoot raw at a disadvantage. It implies we all have to reset our cameras to jpeg, remove any sharpening settings, and take a picture specifically for this competition?

I have to say I prefer the original.

Don't worry John no intention of that just a bit miffed that the two very beautiful (and quite expensive) statues we bought have been confiscated when all we wanted them for was as very nice ornaments.

The answer to that is yes. The countries one Christian church is not allowed crucifixes either. And I don't see how quoting fact can be construed as inflammatory

Jackie and myself were planning to get a Harley each but I have just been reminded why we changed our minds. Saw two horrendous crashes on my way to the airport in Doha this morning. The driving there is the worst I have ever seen.

Also just had two Buddhas we bought in Thailand seized by customs as illegal religious icons. Just arrived in the UK a day late as they wouldn't let me leave the country because my exit permit had expired. A week here and two in Cyprus and hopefully I will be ready for another stint back in the sandpit.