There's an element of interpretation in everyone's own response. I do find this type of 'documentary' style 'street' more involving than most of the headshot stuff. I can appreciate the skill in protraying more than just the moment snapped, and I tire rather quickly of seeing closeups of people I don't know, or will never know anything about.

Apart from some for some sort of commissioned project about an area, I can't imagine why anyone would want to keep a collection of such images for themselves.

Looks like very changeable weather going on there. You've done well in capturing sunlit ground and plenty of cloud detail at the same time. I like 1 & 2 - 2 has a nice layout and draws the eye in and through to the valley in the distance.

Prices are good, but its not a good sign I fear - snap them up I guess if you want them ... It may be there won't be Pentax in those shops anymore?

So far in relation to this subject we've had references to 1) Aliens from Dr Who 2) Barbie Dolls 3) poison ivy 4) reptiles

I don't understand why she cannot just be thought of for what she is - a Goth. And she has chosen the makeup style, so then any good photograph of her should simply present the detail of that as faithfully as possible I feel. I think that is the case here - lots of detail, just as you'd see if standing next to her and chatting.

The harsh lighting has created a contrast challenge, and I still think it would be better to see into the eyes more with some selective brightening and sharpening to the eyes.

Scott Kelby writes good photography books I feel - very practical and lots of illustrated hands - on examples ... this one looks good .... link

Seems like most of what you need to read about the practical aspects of good photography. Many libraries would have copies I'd imagine, or would probably buy it if you made a request or suggestion.

Ummm ... no, not sure about that - but I was thinking about writing my own book on that!!

Why buy a book? Well, for me, I still do buy instructional books because I find I only really absorb and digest the information in that format, and I still enjoy the physicality and 'presence' of a nicely printed book. Its just a better way for me read and see information than on a screen.

The latest examples I've bought are 2 books by Steve Grisetti on the Sony Movie Studio video software and the matching DVD Creation software - both invaluable to me, I have discovered better ways to do things and new things I doubt would have sunk in through browsing online and seeing demo videos and stuff.

I also prefer the way a book can be structured in a more complete manner, like course, and how its easy to flick back & forward through it easily.

For DSLR information I'd go to Waterstones and browse through the selection. There's usually at least 10 or so comprehensive 'manuals' to photography and DSLR technique in particular, and just have a flick through and see want is most interesting and covers the things you need most.

A great start to what looks like a great combination! You've got plenty of enjoyment coming your way there David!

I think it is near enough impossible to get the sort of fine tuning we're talking about right in camera. I would have thought if you go pro you would be needing to exert that extra degree of control that only more work at the computer could achieve?

I'd have thought they were trying to look like Goths.