The Tree and the cat

[pezgt]

I like the way the photo turned out, however I'm not sure if the photo should be brighter or not. Fred (the cat) was sitting on the shady side of the tree. Also, the branches on the left are a little distracting. How do you guys/gals feel about the shot? Thanks.

[PnwGuy]

I like his pose. Is Fred a professional?

My first thought before reading your comments is that it is a little dark. Maybe fill flash would have helped? As for the branches in the background, I think they help to frame Fred. I'm not sure which branches on the left you are referring to.

Overall it's a good shot. I like the composition. The only thing I would have done differently is to use flash.

[pezgt]

Thanks PnwGuy. I was refering to the two twigs to the right in the foreground , but after reading your comments I agree that they do help frame Fred. What do you mean by fill in flash? Is that a external flash that you can add to your camera? I'm using a Kodak Z612, and I don't believe I can add a external flah. Once I get the hang of this photography maybe the I can upgrade to a better camer.

[PnwGuy]

Originally Posted by pezgt

Thanks PnwGuy. I was refering to the two twigs to the right in the foreground , but after reading your comments I agree that they do help frame Fred. What do you mean by fill in flash? Is that a external flash that you can add to your camera? I'm using a Kodak Z612, and I don't believe I can add a external flah. Once I get the hang of this photography maybe the I can upgrade to a better camer.

Not my words, but explains it better than i can:

"When photographing in bright sunlight, especially with the sun behind or at an angle to the subject, harsh shadows on faces and other important features can be softened and lightened by using a fill flash. This technique is also useful when shooting subjects in the shade on sunny days. In both examples, by exposing for the bright areas of a scene, and using the flash to fill in the darker shadows or foreground, a more pleasing balance of light is created"

You can use your built-on flash for fill. The following link shows how to change the flash setting to Fill for your particular camera. If you can get Fred to cooperate you might try the shot again and compare.

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/servi.../8815#BABGJIBG

As for upgrading to a better camera, don't rush on that. You have a great camera to learn on since it pretty much has all the various shooting modes. Definitely get the basics and advanced basics down first. Read "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson and learn to shoot in manual mode. By that time you'll probably find yourself a little limited and an upgrade might be in order.

Have fun with it.

[pezgt]

PnwGuy, thanks for the link. After looking at the settings in the picture the fill flash did fire, however I think I was to far away for it to do any good. I'm going to order the book you recomended this week. Thanks for your advice and help.

[Learner]

Great advice PwrGuy, clear concise and directive.