I am just beginning....

[Larna]

I am just beginning to learn to take better photos.

This was taken with a Nikon 5000D, f/5.6, ISO 200, 55mm. I would like to enter this photo in the local fair competition (my first). How is the lighting?

[Gaurav Prabhu]

There are some things I would like to point out in this particular image,

1) The face of the cat is cropped which mars the frame.

2) Composition is poor.

3) The shadow in top left corner is not doing any good to the image.

4) Picture is low on contrast.

5) Date tag on the image should be avoided if you want to submit or step into professional photography.

To say it the straight way, this image won't make a good choice for submission at photo fair. read some basic composition, lighting, post processing articles, click images, gain experience & then you'll have worthy images for photo fair. This one will surely not win. Sorry to be so harsh critic but I'm a person who likes to keep it straight forward.

[Laurenbiz]

I agree and disagree with a few various previous comments-

**Pleasing and displeasing composition is quite a subjective issue. The comment "composition is poor" is just too broad. IE: "Your opinion is poor." LOL, that doesn't quite work! (Personally, I like the fact that this is a close up.)

**I do agree that the cat's left ear missing doesn't help to make this a strong photo.

**No time stamp - ever! ;-) I do agree!


Also, it looks as though you use camera flash. I say that because of how the main part of the face is so bright. I'm not sure what your shutter speed was from the EXIF info you posted, but you could be able to tweak your shutter, aperture size, or the ISO to achieve a photo with more natural lighting, instead of depending on the flash :-)

[JohnT]

Larna there is positive and negative in asking for Critiques. The world is full of experts and you can get inundated with information overload. I am a amateur photo hobbyist and rarely do I ask for a critique. I want information on how to use the camera better, but anything further that takes away from artistic compostion that I like I don't want to hear it. We all see things differently thus you can get someone who likes brighter shots, better centered shots, more colorful shots, softer shots, this list is endless. If you ask for a critique be specific in the information you want so folks can give you good feedback and really help you.
Your photo is good but the time stamp needs to be cloned out, other than that I would give it a try on entering it. It is unusual based upon the lighting, and cropping, and that makes it interesting. Best of luck to you.