Wow, what a beautiful color contrast! I never thought of ornamental kale as a natural backdrop to a pumpkin!

This is beautiful.

Simple yet beautiful...

The colors are wonderful and great DOF

Wow! Wonderful! These are wild? I wish they were "wild" in my yard!

fantastic shot with great colors and contrast....gl

Beautiful, shame there's no high res..

great macro....good luck author

its a little out of focus author

I see no focus anywhere....it is all blurry, even in the upper center left.

afraid I have to agree with them

There...is that better? I think after this week's contests I am done with this site. I will use my time more wisely and not feel critisized at every turn.
kyricom, this is in no way directed at you! You actually have helped me before, and you know how to be constructive.

I actually like the shot... I agree there are some oof areas but to me it's "almost" there. Try using one area in the bottom right corner as the focus or get closer to the bulk of the necklaces and chose a focal point. Your angle is great!
I see a lot of negative criticism here with NO advice for improvement but don't let that get you down. I've been there and I just over-look them. Don't feel that it's worth my time to listen to them if they aren't willing to help improve IMO. BUT you do have those that are VERY willing to help you and that will make you a better photographer. You have the eye... I know you do because I can see it.

Great comment MnM...I also have been on the end of photos that needed help and had responses that discouraged instead of made me want to try again. Author...do not give up! There are some "brilliant" photographers and artists on this site...I hope each one of them will be patient and help those of us that are new or not as experienced... to get better. Happy New Year!

I agree with MnM and Mom. I think some people tend to forget that all of us on here are not professional photographers. I am new to photography and learning more and more everyday. I think negative comments should come with positive help. IMO.

Thank you for the positive feedback and encouragement, MnM, Mom and BarryN!! I don't at all mind constructive criticism, I have actually asked for it. Maybe my skin is just worn thin because of being sick, it is just very disheartening. I am going on vacation next week, maybe the break will recharge my batteries and tolerance for rude comments.

You have a good eye, only listen to the good. There are just as many good people on here. I understand were you are coming from regarding the "negative comments", this really needs to stop, those of you are giving not only this site but yourselves a bad name.

Hey author...have a Great vacation!!!! Take lots of photos and enjoy yourself!

Author, you do have a good eye for it. Teaching the dumb camera to see things the way you do can be frustrating. Don't give up, or let the "critique" get you down.
I am just learning myself, so my advise may not be the best, but I would be glad to help in any way I can...Maybe we can help each other learn. Might be fun.
Enjoy your vacation and feel free to write me when you get back. Tomas

I think for all of us there has been a moment of "I give up" either due to criticism or for having shots eliminated even when you think they are on topic.
I think one of the main (and most interesting) characteristics of this site is that they put together people from different places with very different personalities. The common denominator is the hobby or passion of taking photos. We all have something in common so.... we cannot be that bad...
You'll see, many will help, I have learned many tricks and techniques. Yet it's only a game. If I may suggest, just take the fun part of it.

Thanks again everyone. All of your positive reinforcements have certainly made me re-evaluate my attitude of giving up. My husband bought me a new camera for Christmas and I am bound and determined to learn how to use it to make beautiful photos for me. Then I will share those photos here and whatever happens, happens!