Newbie to photography

[tdaniel]

I got my first camera 2 weeks ago, the Nikon D40. While I still have a lot to learn I look for professional insight on progress that I've made. Below is a photo that I took this past weekend with the Nikon 55-200mm. Please give me your honest opinion, as I have a lot to learn. Enjoy

[veritasimagery]

Having all the shooting info would help us better help you.

What are you trying to convey with this shot? To me it just seems like a snapshot type picture. The focus is way off, the turtle and fountain itself which seem to be the main subjects, are really blurry. Looks like something taken with a point-n-shoot, not a Nikon DSLR.

Really work on determining the subject and purpose of your shots. Ask yourself what it is you want the picture to say. Then make sure that your subject is in sharp focus.

Hope this helps


Kevin
Veritas Imagery NW

[Chip]

Congrats on getting a new camera!

For this photo, did you happen to have the focus set to full auto? That is, did the camera pick the focus point for you?

If so, one way to dramatically improve the accuracy of your focusing is to get out of auto focus mode and select whatever setting on your D40 that will let you select the focus point. You know where you want the focus to be placed - the camera is just guessing.

Also, it seems as though you shot this in mid day? For landscape/wildlife photos, shooting early or late in the day often producing more pleasing results, since the light is more attractive at that time.

Hope that makes some sense.