First attempt with SLR

[Pommie]

I got a D200 for my birthday (asked for a D80 but the D200 was almost the same price on special) so I'm trying not to be intimidated by all the bells and whistles.

This photo was taken with an 18-200mm lens. I'd include all the details but I don't know where the heck they are yet. Is the focus correct? Sharp? I threw my black jacket behind it. Then I fiddled with photoshop and have that one as well, but I don't want to break the rules about posting two photos in one day. Critiques are welcomed. I only want to get better and can only do that with honest, straightforward critiques.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19164412@N04/2385777532/" title="Tulip by Pamelala, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2385777532_c97552da7f.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Tulip" /></a>
Nikon D200, 200mm, 1/250s, f/8 @ ISO400

[Shutterbugdeb]

Pommie,

Congratulations on your new camera!

I am just learning about composition so I'm no expert. But, in my humble opinion, the bottom right and top left colors that appear are very distracting. I would make a tight crop on the flower.

Gorgeous image!

[AlexD]

I agree with Shutterbugdeb. Also perhaps shooting from the top instead from below would have made a more interesting pictire. For me, petals are more interesting than the stem...

[Lebowski]

Congrats on the new camera! Focus looks good to me. You can always try a tighter crop in Photoshop.

You can easily get the photos "details" (often called EXIF) from Flickr. When viewing the photo it says "Taken with a Nikon D200." Just click on "More Properties" link below that and you are set. The most useful ones are at the top:

Camera: Nikon D200
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0/6 EV
ISO Speed: 400

[Pommie]

I shot a bunch from above, but I loved this view the best because it's unusual.

Here it is cropped and Photoshopped. I sharpened it and made the colours a bit more intense.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19164412@N04/2384946877/" title="Tulip enhanced by Pamelala, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2384946877_cb49174147.jpg" width="378" height="500" alt="Tulip enhanced" /></a>

[RexK_Cozumel]

I like your cropped shot better but still feel like there is too much stem at the bottom. Enjoy the camera it is a great one. There are a lot of options but you will learn them all over time. Have fun.

[jdepould]

I think you went a little too far with the colors on the second one, you're getting a little bit of clipping, where the color is so saturated the item loses texture.

[PegasusNY]

I agree that the cropped one is a little over saturated but the cropping looks good. Enjoy the new camera, I've been wanting one of those since it came out!

[Pommie]

Clipping? Is this where too much saturated colour equals a kind of fuzziness?

So much to learn...

Thanks for commenting.

[darrell]

It's where detail is lost. Most time clipping occurs when you take a picture where there's a light source in the picture. But in this picture, it's a little different. It's from post processing. You cranked up the reds and the most red part of the flower (near dead center) has lost detail and is completely red.

[wulf]

I like your cropped shot better but still feel like there is too much stem at the bottom. Enjoy the camera it is a great one. There are a lot of options but you will learn them all over time. Have fun.
I do like the cropped shot. I wonder if the problem is not too much stem at the bottom but too little space at the top. Try a few variants to get a feel for how different placements affect the overall feel of the shot.

Wulf

[Pommie]

Aaah, got it.

That's why I love this place. Something new every day. Thanks!

[ladytx]

I like the point of view from the bottom shows up the white on the bottom of the flower. I would crop out the right and left but leave the rest alone. The focus, color and softness are really nice on the original photo.

[Alex168]

The crop is much better the normal image, becuase i can see those petals or what they are on the side. Great detail in that shot, the angel works great for me as well!

[jsanders]

What a beautifull shot. Really really nice.

[sweetpea1981]

I think the cropped version is MUCH better! Love the saturation and colours....

[Imed]

Wow..D200! congrats ;)

Nice shot..very lovely!

[dogtor68]

Well I think that it's a beautiful picture but I agree with wulf try cropping the stem a bit, the bright colors are nice, I wish I learned to shoot macro:( Congratulations!:)

[FloridaMike]

I agree, trim the stem!

[wulf]

Well I think that it's a beautiful picture but I agree with wulf try cropping the stem a bit, the bright colors are nice, I wish I learned to shoot macro:( Congratulations!:)
No - that was jdepould... I suggested leaving the stem but balancing it with a bit more space at the top.

Wulf

[Pommie]

It wasn't a macro lens, but an 18-200mm Nikor lens. I was thinking about getting a macro, but this lens takes some lovely close-ups so I'm not sure I need it.

[Pommie]

I hadn't considered that. I'll try it. Thanks!

[Pasq]

Pommie, this a great shot for your new camera!

perhaps some cropping would be nice, but for one of your first shots, it's a nice attempt. well done!:)

[dogtor68]

No - that was jdepould... I suggested leaving the stem but balancing it with a bit more space at the top.

Wulf

Sorry wulf!:( Yes you're right more space on top would defenitely balance the shot!:D