It isn't your camera, unless those are digital zoom (rather than optical zoom) pics. There should be more than enough detail for an icon. The only advantage of the very tiny squares is that it doesn't take much detail to make an icon. :)

No, it's me. Anytime I change shows or photo sources, I have a steep learning curve to get things where I want them. The yellow is very easy to fix in Photoshop, happily. Also? I find it hard to work with con photos because they're all the same. It requires a level of clever with text that doesn't come naturally. :)

Now, why are you saying those are fail?!? Those are cute! And I'm totally stealingchoosing to be inspired by your ideas. ;)