"The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion." Camus, A. (from RouRou888's Profile)

My Flickr Blog:

Not so active these days, but still worth a look.
Flickr Walkabout
FLICKR WALKABOUT
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Counter for Blog Views:
Web Site Counter
..........................
Private:
Blog Roster
New
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Deep Dive............an interesting Flickr tool. Check it out.
deepdive.mezo.com/
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Flickr Group to promote the blog Flickr Walkabout
Flickr Walkabout
Flickr Walkabout Group
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Winners of Contests and Featured Selections
from themed threads in That's What I'm Talkin About !!
are showcased in Flickr Walkabout.

That's What I'm Talkin About !!
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Only Good Photographs
www.flickr.com/groups/onlygoodphotos/
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THE CONTORTIONIST
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“A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” Oscar Wilde.....found under a pic by TT in the Desert
"Look, I want to love this world
as though it's the last chance to be alive and know it."
Mary Oliver, from "October" {under a photo by Tango of Photography}
AND THEN {PHOTOPOEM}
❝ What happens inside your mind can happen inside a camera. ❞
Arno Rafael Minkkinen {found in nevfeniel's Profile}
REACH OUT AND TOUCH
"Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst."
Henri Cartier-Bresson {found in lightgazer's Profile}
SILHOUETTE
"There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are.”
Ernst Haas {found in Appleblossom's profile.}
THE MAID OF THE MIST
"You can't romance all the women in the world, but you must try!"
Pushkin
WILD CARD RANDOM {photopoem}
"Any photographer who says he's not a voyeur is either stupid or a liar."
Helmut Newton {found in Cory [ O ]'s profile}
THE BELLY DANCER AND THE MAILMAN
"If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough"
Robert Capa {found in J o r's Profile}
CAT UNDER CAR
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."
Marcel Proust {found in Eija.'s Profile}
MOMENTS IN THE MIST
"When you look back on a lifetime
and think of what has been given to
the world by your presence,
your fugitive presence,
inevitably you think of your art,
whatever it may be,
as the gift you have made to the world
in acknowledgement of the gift you have been given,
which is the life itself .....
That work is not an expression of the desire
for praise or recognition, or prizes,
but the deepest manifestation of your gratitude
for the gift of LIFE"
-Stanley Kunitz {found in Lahijadeunminero's profile}

What you see is real - but only on the particular level to which you've developed your sense of seeing. You can expand your reality by developing new ways of perceiving. - Wynn Bullock.(found in Alder Chalk's Alder Chalk's profile)


"A technically perfect photograph can be the world's most boring picture." (Andreas Feininger){Found in hbierau's Profile}

“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.” Ansel Adams
MAIN STREET
"A good photograph is knowing where to stand."
- Ansel Adams {Found in Dean Forbes profile}
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"Because we don't know when we will die, we get to think of life as an inexhaustible well, yet everything happens only a certain number of times, and a very small number, really. How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, some afternoon that's so deeply a part of your being that you can't even conceive of your life without it? Perhaps four or five times more, perhaps not even that. How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless".
Paul Bowles, The Sheltering Sky found on Carlos Coutinho's Profile
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"I love the sun-blasted, bleached and baked small mountain ranges of the Southwest, the rather foreboding sky islands, most of which I've visited on foot. Even where there are conifers they lack the convincing greenness of the better-watered north. I've often thought how this landscape must drive painters quite batty though they keep trying, tripping over the thousands of delineations of shadows in a single arroyo. Painters do succeed more apparently than photographers, most of whom seem witless to know that a camera is a crude instrument compared to the human eye. The best photographers succeed as art but it certainly isn't the way anyone sees."
Jim Harrison - The Road Home
Found in mtnrockdhh/'s Profile.
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SERPENTINE
"Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils."
Louis-Hector Berlioz
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"Life is too short to be little."
Benjamin Disraeli {found under a pic by Lourdes Place}
10 MONTHS OF FLICKRING
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The other day I brought a picture as a gift to a relative. She liked the picture, and added "It's lovely, you must have a great camera!"..

After the meal that that evening I said "Wow that was a great super Jen, you must have lovely pots and pans!"
A "proverb" adapted for photography, passed on to me by Peter Laurent.
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'We seldom take great pictures.
You have to milk the cow a lot and get lots of milk to make a little piece of cheese' ~ Henri Cartier-Bresson
Seen under a pic by Photomas World

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Groups where I am an Admin:

This is a splendid image.
Flickr Walkabout
Flickr Walkabout Group

You are invited to post this beauty:

That's What I'm Talkin About !!

Seen in:
Fabiola Medeiros
UNDERSTANDING GROUPS

You are invited to display your image:
&quotApparition
The Sun Is Drawing

Seen in:


Invitational Galleries

You are invited to display your image:

Quality Abstracts

You are invited to post your image to:
Mr. Hummingbird
"HUMMINGBIRD PHOTOGRAPHY"
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"I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet."
Jack London {found in Hat Man's profile}
REEDS, SNOW
"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."
Mark Twain. {under an image by She Dances}

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away."

**Find the beauty in lonely** 在寂寞中尋找美麗
{Found in *Kevin@Eyes* Profile}

OLD TIMER

"YOUR OWN photography is never enough. Every photographer who has lasted has depended on other people's pictures too---photographs that may be public or private, serious or funny, but that carry with them a reminder of community." Robert Adams, 'Why People Photograph'
{Found in Briggate.com's Profile}

“To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy.”
Henri Cartier-Bresson {found in Yiannisrigakis Profile}

“Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not; a sense of humor to console him for what he is”
Francis Bacon -1561-1626 {found in michaelrogers Profile}

"All the technique of the world cannot compensate the incapacity to observe" Elliott Erwitt

"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond that which is measurable. It's our light, not our dark side, that frightens us the most. We ask ourselves, who am I to say that I'm brilliant, marvelous, talented, fabulous? In fact, who are we to say that we are not?"

From Nelson Mandela's investiture speach. (found on *Ariel*'s Profile

"Life is not significant details, illuminated by a flash, fixed forever. Photographs are."
Susan Sontag {found in Cory [ O ]'s profile}
THE DAILY WATCH
"Every great picture is further proof they haven't all been taken yet."
{found in Willpower's Profile}

It is a similar sentiment that keeps me hunting for more excellent contacts. Each one I find proves that there are more to found.

Each Contact shown below had an image Faved by me before the contact was established.

Bill_Cross' favorite photos from other Flickr members (34,895)

  • Passing Through by Spellbinder:
  • High Museum Columns and Curves by Spellbinder:
  • Living Happily Ever After by Spellbinder:
  • by Luisitico2731
  • The Golden Hour by Todd Metcalfe
  • Downtown, Looking Up by Todd Metcalfe
  • Niagara Falls - Ice Sculpture II by Todd Metcalfe
  • River of Dreams by jimservies | photography
  • Snow Falls by jimservies | photography
  • 2008-08-23 St Didier (2) by desiderien
  • Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck by MARTHA81
  • in attesa della fine by spina_di_pesce81
See more...

Contacts (11,620)

See more...

Groups (5050)

Show more... Show fewer...

Galleries (42)

See more...

Testimonials (42)

  • view profile

    bandigy-v2.0 says:

    "Bill has become an institution here in Flickr. He has fantastic eyes for detailes, superb title maker.
    The best contact."

    10th March, 2011

  • view profile

    Dashalive says:

    "Wildcardpoet’s name says it all. Bill’s photography is a reflection of the title and a quick glimpse of his profile will back that statement also. Just spend some time flicking through the images on this guy’s photostream and be prepared for a big journey into the world’s beautiful offerings that we sometimes look past in our day to day activity.
    Hard to say what I like most about this man’s work as the spectrum is so vast. Probably his enormous range of subject matter I guess. Let’s just say that I am privileged to be in his 10,000 or so contacts and I am always glad to get a big tick when he sees my work…. As trivial as it is.
    dash"

    28th May, 2009

  • view profile

    Sundancew says:

    "Being one of the first people who I actually spoke with here of flickr other then just in commenting Bill has been an excellent contact and friend over the past past several years. I always enjoy his photos and he is always the most pleasant person to exchange words with here on flickr. He has been more then helpful in guiding me on my way when I started Hummingbird Photography group. I believe that without his help it would not have blossomed into the group that it is today. I know that he has been more than just another pic on flickr to many many people out there across the world and for just being the nice guy that he naturally is I say thank you. I hope all who read this if having not already done so will go now and have a look through his photos, you wont be disapointed."

    25th May, 2009

  • view profile

    Paul_Wheeler says:

    "I came across Bill during my early days on Flickr. He noticed me inviting images to one of his groups and asked me to join him as a Mod. I have worked with him since then and, although Bill doesn’t realize it, he has been responsible for most of my group knowledge. Everything I know about groups came from Bill. We have grown, and shared experiences, during our time together here on Flickr. He is a great friend, and I value his loyalty.
    I have always admired Bill’s photography, which has an artistic quality I can only dream to achieve. My work has improved, due to the inspiration I have gained from his work, and the other artist’s work Bill has introduced me to. For that reason I thank him enormously.
    Bill has been my teacher, my support, and most importantly become my most trusted, loyal friend. Get to know Bill, his photostream and his blog, and you too, will be glad you met him.
    …And finally if you ever have a problem with your group icons, give Bill a call!"

    25th May, 2009

  • view profile

    TJ Scott says:

    "Bill is the new King of Macros - One of the most Talented and GIving Flickr Photographers I know. He Really does create Poetry with his Camera - he has an amazing eye for Art in Nature and in the Countryside around him. Great Group Admin and super consistent Flickr Friend. Bill Rocks!"

    24th May, 2009

  • view profile

    Geniebell says:

    "I am one of those Flickr members who had an emergency that Sheree (Hadassah28, below) speaks of. She asked Bill if he would help me with my codes. I hadn't had the pleasure of meeting Bill, but he stepped right in and so graciously and expertly fixed all my codes in 4 groups! I have met so many wonderful people on Flickr, but you Bill, are at the top of the list! I'm blessed and honored to call you my friend."

    24th May, 2009

  • view profile

    Sheree (away writing 3rd novel) says:

    "No, I can't put this off.

    I am (as usual) scrambling to make an appointment, but this testimonial is so important, that it must take priority.

    I met Bill Cross through another Flickr member. All I knew about Bill was that he was friendly, and that he knew how to do codes. It was later that I learned just how terrific a human being this "wildcardpoet" truly is.

    Aside from his abilities as an amazing Flickr group originator and admin, an artist, a photographer, and a code builder, Bill is that rarity among human beings: a Giver, and a gracious one at that.

    I have called upon Bill now, on several occasions, to help me and other Flickr members, whom he has never met, to help us with emergencies. He has responded quickly and with great kindness. And, of course, with fantastic codes. And advice.

    I have had some very awful experiences on Flickr with other members, some that really crushed my soul. But because of my interaction with Bill, those soul-defeating encounters have been muted.

    Thank you, Bill. Thank you, from all of us.

    Sheree Zielke (smiles)"

    23rd May, 2009

  • view profile

    Peter Laurent says:

    "Photography is the foreign language that everyone thinks they can speak.....

    Bill however is fluent"

    8th February, 2009

  • view profile

    barly_roy_red,, says:

    "just started a new group ,,got a good response ..first one to offer help and guidance
    thanks again my friend
    got up and running a lot faster with your help...."

    7th February, 2009

  • view profile

    JeffreyPaul(1969-2011) says:

    "Your images convey beautiful form and colour. A real exploration of light and composition that exudes an artists enthusiasm for creation, unswayed by current fads or fashion. Your emotion shines through."

    12th January, 2009

  • view profile

    i n d y . i s k a n d a r . i m a g e s . says:

    ""It is a truly awesome experience going through Wildcardpoet's photo stream. He has an excellent eyes for detail and composition. He will show you the world through his eyes superbly and knowing how to take a good photos with such a good talent you will always be impressed.

    There is a lot of good photos and photographers on flickrland and Wildcardpoet is definitely one of them. Keep up a good work my friend and happy shooting.""

    11th January, 2009

  • view profile

    Manas Dichow says:

    "Without question, Bill Cross is the most important individual I've come across since joining Flickr. I note in all the previous testimonials the wonderful things that others have said about Bill. It's all true!
    Artist par excellence, friend to many in the most gracious way and professional in his manner.
    What really stood out for me was the insight he has in accomplishing things on the Flickr website and more specifically for the "Better Than Good" group. Once I had become a Moderator for the Group the communication grew and I learned so much from Bill. His ideas on developing the BTG group and strengthening the membership were brilliant. He worked tirelessly to make BTG one of the best high quality groups on Flickr. The images are wonderful and the structure is superb.
    His recently launched Blog, Flickr Walkabout is a thing of beauty.
    flickrwalkabout.b...
    Bill's abilities really come through when you arrive at his blog. There's something for everyone and it is constantly updated with the most wonderful images of all sorts.
    Congratulations Bill on a terrific effort in building your vision.

    So very proud to be your friend.
    Manas"

    19th October, 2008

  • view profile

    Micartttt says:

    "Bill is one of the most HELPFUL, SUPPORTIVE, and FRIENDLY person i have ever met in the Flickr Land :)

    I enjoy his work and appreciate his contribution to Flickr very much. The one blog of his that attracted me most is called " One Person's Journey Through The Daily Life Of Flickr. You may check it out here;
    flickrwalkabout.b...

    He also has the talent & grace to make others feel good about themselves.

    May God continue to bless him & entire family with Joy, Good Health, and of course Prosperity :)"

    26th September, 2008

  • view profile

    Shuggie!! says:

    "What you see is what you get; above all, he is my friend .. it really is that simple!"

    15th September, 2008

  • view profile

    ewelynne  says:

    "He is a professional photographer and peple too. He always makes photos to everyone about the word. His work is always faultless because he always keeps an eye on the details. And it makes him to be pro man. That's why I honor him. I'm proud to be his friend!"

    27th July, 2008

  • view profile

    doug.siefken says:

    "Bill has a depth of imagery that spans just about all of the major (and some minor) areas of photography in a brilliant manner. You should study his stream. Oh, and he has a way with words. Thanks for being on flickr Bill.

    doug"

    15th July, 2008

  • view profile

    ♥ Kimberly ♥ Slowly Working My Way To You :) says:

    "You will never find another Bill--a man of many layers; you could never go through them all in a lifetime. He's a True Artist who expresses himself through his work, and a teacher who has taught me many things........with the patience of a saint :) Without him Flickr wouldn't have been as rewarding; nor would I have learned half of what I know.

    If you take the time to go through his stream, you will be amazed at the variety of styles. He's not afraid to show his sensitive side, which I think is wonderful. And is always looking for new ways to shock us with his gift. So If you're here, take the time to explore his site. You will get lost in his Images. And just when you think you've seen it all, he will prove you wrong. I have the utmost respect for him--a kinder person you won't find.

    I'm proud to call you a friend. Never change.................Kimba"

    10th July, 2008

  • view profile

    Just Like Jeniene says:

    "Visual poetry, visual prose, that is what Bill's stream is. His work is always changing and never stagnant. His work matches his heart,
    beautiful work, from a beautiful soul. He is one of the best!!!!"

    5th July, 2008

  • view profile

    ~M~Chelle & her view*** says:

    "***When a person with a TRUE POETIC SOUL takes a camera in hand.....be prepared for your heart to be captured. ***
    Bill is a wonderfully talented man with heart...soul and beauty flowing through his viens. He captures so much in just one image......INSPIRING.
    Bill ..I have told you before I admire you...not only your talent my friend...but your spirit and the intelligence that brings it forward. I am pleased to call you FRIEND...and honored you call me friend!!!!
    Shell....xoxo"

    2nd July, 2008

  • view profile

    Dolcemente111 says:

    "Bill is someone I feel I've known all of my life.. but have only known a short time. He is very intelligent, incredibly insightful, and a true artist in very sense of the word.

    In addition to learning from the continually evolving nature of Bill's work, he has also introduced me to the work of several other great artists here on flickr, such as CharlieBrown8989 and Lars van de Goor, for which I am very grateful to have discovered.

    I am perpetually inspired by Bill's vision and the extraordinary aesthetic quality that is contained within every set of photos he introduces. I can only hope to someday be blessed with at least a fraction of the knowledge, intuition and inherent ability he has when holding a camera in his hands.. and am so grateful for having the opportunity to know him as a human being."

    25th June, 2008

  • view profile

    Dawn Gordon says:

    "First, I'd like to say that I'm so glad to have met Bill here on Flickr. I imagine him to be a very kind and gentle soul- someone who makes a great neighbor or friend.

    His photography is so beautiful, and inspiring that you almost can't find the words to describe what he manages to accomplish with his great vision and talent.

    He also is a very kind, and helpful person who does whatever he can to help out anyone who asks. He has helped out several times when I needed it, and I told him that I wished I could return the favor, so I am trying to return by writing this.

    If you browse through his stream you won't be disappointed! In fact, the first time I found Bill's photostream I lost all track of time while I was looking at all of his great work!!"

    6th June, 2008

  • view profile

    liz_murray32 says:

    "Your work is amazing. You capture life and the candid spirit that it represents. I love your work and hope that you continue to express yourself as you are for many years to come:) Liz"

    13th May, 2008

  • view profile

    bogdanf2003 says:

    "Wildcardpoet is a striking photographer and an awesome poet. His photos express the poem from his journeys in life. His view of life through the lens is particular. Thanks for accepting me as a friend."

    26th March, 2008

  • view profile

    Ehm is shutting it down for a minute says:

    "I love Bill's style and range. When it comes to photography he is a chameleon. He is an awesome purist, a divine artist, and one of the masters of black and white. You can never look at his work and say : "Bill did this", because his range is so strong and wide.
    I might also add, he has one of the coolest groups on Flickr, Better Than Good. Now, if you are new to his work... I invite you to look through it. You will come away with an expanded image file (mentally speaking), and the desire to your own thing.
    Many thanks to you Bill for always keeping me inspired !"

    17th March, 2008

  • view profile

    Vasili Andreyev says:

    "Bill can see beauty in the world around us.
    He can find or make beauty.
    He can communicate beauty.
    It's strong and it's works.
    I'm honored to see his work."

    15th March, 2008

  • view profile

    Rhaissa Vitor says:

    "HOLLYWOOD,DO NOT "KILL BILL"!!
    Make any second a memory of time...Make any color an eclipse...Work with photography as playing around for fun...Gifted with BIG EYES!"

    28th February, 2008

  • view profile

    My Baby Mia [very busy for few days] says:

    "Dear Friend!
    I find your work brilliant, moving, beautifully composed, fascinating or awe-inspiring. Your work combines the best of artistic eye and a compassionate heart

    A fantastic artist, with magnificent ideas.His words and images will take you places beyond your imagination--or just keep them in your heart to make you happy!

    He is a genuine and wonderful friend, that one day I would love to meet in person. A man of action too!

    Thank you for sharing your world with us and thank you for a fantastic friendship!"

    22nd February, 2008

  • view profile

    phanatique says:

    "Bill was and is like a father and teacher to many of us on Flickr, mine definitely was and is. You can read out every emotion and feelings he had on the moment he took the photo, still never the same, there is something over there that makes his every single work unique, that something which makes a photo so alive. His gallery it`s his life, and it speaks for every one of us. Just by watching you learn, and if you get to know him, you`ll see that he showed you the way he is. Fantastic personality! I`m glad that i met you Bill. I`m honored to be your friend."

    16th February, 2008

  • view profile

    frazerweb says:

    "An interesting set of work that contains lots of thought and imagination, with a deep feel for the world around us."

    16th February, 2008

  • view profile

    André L. Santana says:

    "IMAGENIUS."

    3rd February, 2008

  • view profile

    Professor Bop says:

    "Fine teachers can influence many a learner but extraordinary teachers are rare and have a profound impact on our lives. Wilcardpoet falls into the latter category.

    Bill is a uniquely talented photographer with depth and creative artistry who has been an inspirational force in my development on Flickr. Always a source of wisdom and guidance, Bill has patiently challenged my exploration and illuminated the journey. His work, both richly varied and honest, has served as a refreshing and fascinating model.

    I am deeply grateful to Bill for his selfless enthusiasm and the exciting contributions he makes to this amazing realm known as Flickr."

    21st December, 2007

  • view profile

    Jeff Rinehart (almost back in action) says:

    "As you know by now Bill, I'm not big on words. It's hard for me to describe how much I appreciate your art and what you do for the flickr world. Not only are you talented with a camera and pen, but you are also talented for making others feel good about themselves.

    Your work is an inspiration. Your unique vision is enlightening. I have a deep respect for how you make your art your own.

    Jeff"

    8th December, 2007

  • view profile

    MKozmeniuk says:

    "The image the words feelings you have felt ..kept inside
    wore on your sleeve.tried to forget tried to remember.
    Bill has inspired me in so many ways since meeting him his photography is stunning, imagination and thought meet creating a cool prospective, full of story, poetry. Light and dark together. a wonderful literary and photographic journey.
    I wish him all the best.
    Melody"

    3rd December, 2007

  • view profile

    Antoine Chaze says:

    "Your pseudo couldn't more fit your photostream. It is all about poetry and eclectism. your work is extremely personnal and it's always a pleasure to see your new photos."

    14th November, 2007

  • view profile

    Christian Davies says:

    "You really are a photographic poet ! Always excellent work looking forward to more posts !"

    21st October, 2007

  • view profile

    Lightchaser says:

    "Bill,

    You truly are a master of light. When considering "photograph" in Latin means "to write with light," the crossover of your expansive body of work and poignant literary proses truly stands as its testament. Only the very best to you.

    Michael"

    23rd September, 2007

  • view profile

    `Mark&Manna Photography says:

    "Bill does the kinds of things with his camera that all photographers are striving for. The attention to details, the excellent composition, and his uncanny ability to grab an excellent photo opportunity is truly a gift. He is an artist."

    25th August, 2007

  • view profile

    Across 110th Street says:

    "His mother said to him, 'If you become a soldier, you'll be a general; if you become a monk, you'll end up as the pope.' Instead, he became a photographer and poet and wound up as Bill Cross. An artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without the work. This man has the work. His creativity is a whirlpool of imagination that swirls in the depths of this little world we know as Flickr. Great artists are people who find the way to be themselves in their art. Any sort of pretension induces mediocrity in art and life alike. I fired off my 10 gun salute weeks ago. Here is to reloading!"

    16th July, 2007

  • view profile

    Photography JC says:

    "I have only just discovered Bill's work and I must say that I am very impressed. In particular I like his people photographs, they are very inspiring. I will be visiting his photo stream often.

    James"

    15th July, 2007

  • view profile

    Limbo Poet says:

    "Bill is a talented poet and photographer. He is also very witty and helpful. His photographic work is varied and always interesting. I value his friendship very much and I am glad to have met him here.
    His growing set of photopoems is the place to look for a unique flickr experience."

    21st June, 2007

  • view profile

    alaejano58 says:

    "Encantado de estar entre tus contactos."

    28th May, 2007

  • view profile

    CharlieBrown8989 says:

    "Bill

    He is not new in photography. His black & white works in the 60's have help me to recall my memory of the 60's & my experiences in taking Black & White pictures in 1962 - 1970.

    I have spend sometime in running through his exhibits here, I should said that it is of the Salon International standard that I am inspired at.

    I do see that with his excellence or superb knowledge & skill in Imaging art. I have discovering yet another great imaging artist's on the net.

    Please visit here more often to be inspired.

    I appreciate your kindness & sharing with the net community!!

    You are great my friend."

    19th May, 2007

Name:
Bill Cross
Joined:
May 2007