Larry, thanks for the catch on the "tips and tricks" forum. I found the setting that was switched off so now any member can create topics.
You can insert pictures into forum posts; when typing in the text box, look at the upper left corner of the page and you see buttons for "picture", "art text", "links"... click picture and you can upload one of your own pictures. Make sure it's no larger than 300kb, larger pictures really slow things down.

I'm working on member galleries, will roll that out soon. If you see an example of a allery format you like, send it along - I'm open to any ideas. Thanks again Larry for the comments and suggestions. John