Thanks for that, kemp. I think I'll install it onto a separate hard drive (dual-boot) - I'm not going to try an upgrade quite yet!

Ray.

Anyone trying Windows 7 RC yet?

I'm downloading it as I type, but if you've had any horrendous experiences with it, please share them with me!

Ray

Some very good advice so far, Bob. The thing that leaps out at me is that your wife hadn't got any idea why she was being photographed. I'm sorry if that sounds a bit rude, or harsh, but it's honest. Models know how to be models, but it doesn't come as easily to wives, I guess.

My wife is happy to take photographs of me, but hates the camera being turned upon her - that's not uncommon. Overcome that, give your good lady a brief to follow, then see what you get, first in natural light (in a setting she's comfortable with), then with your new lighting set-up.

Ray

A very interesting thread, Matt - thanks, as always.

Can I ask why is it - if you don't need to re-visit your monitor calibration once done - that Huey insists that you re-calibrate every two weeks?

Ray

I'd be pleased with it too - a great shot!

Ray

I found my eyes wandering all over the shot to start with, probably with the initial intent of seeing what, if any, differences using HDR had made. A little later, I was still "wandering about," so I guess that there's no specific POI - at least not one for my eyes to comfortably "settle on" - therefore, I found it a bit lacking too. I found it more appealing with the reflection cropped out below where it meets the right-hand bank.

Ray.

Love the first one! Whereabouts and who occupies it, please? I don't recall ever having passed it.

Ray

The site works OK, so it must be a dud link. :

Ray

I'd say, from what you describe, you've dodged a bullet there! To do that sort of expensive occasion, it's probably a two-camera shoot anyway, as far as the pros are concerned.

Relax - take a few shots during the day if you get the chance, do the evening as a favour in regard to the forthcoming house-sitting deal and enjoy the event. I doubt that you would enjoy it if you had to shoot it.

Ray

I thought that the first picture was an HDR composition at first glance, but (should probably be "and") I like it a lot.

Ray