Thanks everyone for the encouraging words. I know it's not an excellent shot but I have to say it's given me a little boost and made me want to work on it even harder.
I only managed to get 3 descent pics out of about 8 last time but i'll be going for more shots next time (ill put the camera batteries to the test!)
I'll also try to take the shots in better resolution. These were with the camera at 1MB setting so i'll go for broke with the 3MB setting (i know it's a very limited camera)
the biggest problems I will face is the limited exposure time (max 15s) and the achromatic diffraction caused by the fact that I have to use the fixed lens on the S7000 (it cant be removed).
I have so much to learn including about levels...I'm keen to play around withthem a bit more now having seen what a basic auto level and colors did (the pic was all blue before then ,as per magic, nice pinks came through)
I'm already agonizing over what camera to consider buying when i get the money together (anybody got a 20Da they're bored with?)
I hope to get a chance to shoot some more this weekend though the clouds are coming tonight so who knows....
thanks again
spearo