Is that fountain made of copper? I just remember touching that blue/green stuff on a monument in Michigan and my dad freaking out because the resin is poisonous. It's called "verdigris" or something to that effect. In any case I love the photos. I like the light in the second one better than the first.

Yes, that is another thing. If one messes with the contrast and brightness much the entire shape of clouds can change.

I think the bowl of the fountain may be copper, but the peacocks, or whatever the birds may be, seem to be iron, as they appear to be rusting a bit.

Verdigris. Interesting. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verdigris

P.S. This cool fountain is marred somewhat for me by the lame, hugging cherubs at the top, which are a later edition. I have seen an earlier picture, in which, I believer, there were more birds on the top.

Yup; adjusting photographic images is almost always a must, even in the darkroom setting. But I don't think it should go above and beyond what is necessary to get the correct color, contrast, lighting, etc. I miss the good ol' days of dodging and burning my photographs in the darkroom, and dialing in the necessary filters. Good times. I need to figure out someway to get my darkroom set up here! So enjoy, but I commend you on not manipulating your pictures that much. It's always best to try and get it (close anyway) right with the original:)

I am glad you agree, Courtney, though I must admit that i do indulge in some amping up at times.

Me too; no worries. :)