CC wanted on my understanding of picture processing.

[Doppelgänger]

Correct, PnS. The Miata picture I had used curves, contrast, brightness, sharpening, blurring and saturation on all three areas individually (foreground, background and subject). You can see the line between the FG and BG right in the middle of the picture...where the gravel meets the brush. I tried to pick an area where such a difference would look well blended/natural...or just not so offenseive. Dunno how obvious it was before I pointed it out

I did have a lot of fun moving the truck out of the Porsche picture though...I don't think I did too bad of a job

[Nerdsrock22]

Correct, PnS. The Miata picture I had used curves, contrast, brightness, sharpening, blurring and saturation on all three areas individually (foreground, background and subject). You can see the line between the FG and BG right in the middle of the picture...where the gravel meets the brush. I tried to pick an area where such a difference would look well blended/natural...or just not so offenseive. Dunno how obvious it was before I pointed it out.

I did have a lot of fun moving the truck out of the Porsche picture though...I don't think I did too bad of a job

I didn't even notice the disappearing truck. So yes, awesome job.

I think you do a perfect job of working with what you have, and end up with some stellar results.

I'm still working off Photoshop Elements 4 (can't afford the big guns) so I've never been able to mess with Curves very much. I'm always impressed when it's done well.