Hi, Judy

You didn't ask for comments but may I?

You obviously enjoy taking photographs and I think you do a much better job
of doing so than the average snap shooter.  However, there is room for
improvement (there always is).  Generally, try to more clearly define and
isolate your subject from surrounding objects and try to avoid putting that
subject in the center of the frame (center of frame = static).

Some of the ways to isolate and define include point of view of the camera,
long lens and/or large aperture, light.  For example, consider this photo of
yours...
http://www.shutterpoint.com/Photos-ViewPhoto.cfm?id=636719
and this one of a similar subject...
http://www.shutterpoint.com/Photos-ViewPhoto.cfm?id=453348

Both are back lit, both have a grasshopper as the subject; however, in
yours, the subject fights for attention with the more brightly lighted left
side of the frame (especially the lower left) and with the numerous vertical
lines of the grass stalks.  Additionally, your higher point of view
foreshortens the body of the insect.  Moving your camera slightly lower and
using a longer lens would have improved the photo.  The other one has some
fill light from the bottom right (probably a natural reflector) but could
have been improved by using a white card above but close to the camera to
soften the shadows a bit.

Now consider this one...
http://www.shutterpoint.com/Photos-ViewPhoto.cfm?id=654100
It would have been *much* better had you simply snipped off or pushed down
the mostly out of focus leaf in the foreground.

Although I know nothing of what equipment you use I get the feeling that you
may be a bit "equipment impaired" as most of your photos appear to have been
made with a normal lens.  In many cases, using a moderately long lens
(150-200mm if 35mm film) would have greatly improved the photo.

Basically, I think you are on the right track but now need to concentrate on
the little things that lift a nice photo to an excellent one.  Good luck,
keep shooting...

Wow - it was so refreshing to read all the posts here.  Judy, what
these photographers have offered is great advice and should assist you
in creating better and more commanding images as you elevate your
skill level.  Composition, the art of creating images is often
forgotten in these NG's - and I was happy to see some of you actually
taking the time to provide some constructive information to another
photographer who shows promise and abiltiy.  I spend a lot of time in
my photography courses on these very subjects of composition and
design, and how to effectively use all of these elements and
components in creating images.

Keep up the good work Judy - you've got an awesome start.  You might
consider signing up for my photography newsletter - we cover a lot of
this type of information each time and it's free.  I will gladly send
you the most recent ones I've sent out that offer information on this
topic.  All I need is an email address.

Jeff Roush
photo instructor
http://www.roushphotoonline.com