For Monday...

...MACRO photography. See the following sites for tips:
http://photo.net/learn/macro/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macro_photography
http://www.shutterbug.net/techniques/outdoor_travel/0803sb_amacro/
http://www.crystalcanyons.net/pages/TechNotes/3DMicroMacro.shtm
http://www.edbergphoto.com/pages/Tip-macro-tools.html
http://www.edbergphoto.com/pages/Tip-macro-examples.html
http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/cp/olympus/technology/article_display.jspvnu_content_id=1003285355

Take 35-40 pics of various objects extremely close-up. In most cases, you will use the 'Macro' setting, or 'tulip' icon. If your camera doesn't take a good, clear close-up, find out what is the closest distance you can get a picture in focus---and stand that far away from your subject. We can sharpen a photo up a bit in PhotoShop, but it needs to pretty much be in focus. Experiment with your own camera. Some will be able to take really good clear shots that will amaze because they are SO close-up. Others will have to stand back a ways to get your subject in focus. We can always zoom in while cropping in PhotoShop if you have trouble. Make sure you are on the correct setting! Use the theories of composition we just learned!