What'd I do right/What'd I do wrong?

[kevinold]

Hi everyone,

This is my first posting to DPS and my first week as an SLR owner. I was playing with the blurred background technique and wondered what others thought of this photo. I think it's great, but would like some constructive criticism.



Thanks for having a look!

[RexK_Cozumel]

Well the image is pretty small so it is hard to get a good look at it but from what I can see... If you were going for a blurred background look (shallow DOF) then you achieved it. However your DOF is too shallow since parts of your main subject are OOF. Compositionally the main subject is centered both vertically and horizontally.. See the rule of thirds. There are some blurred out stalks of grass running thru the frame in the background which for me is distracting. Subject is kind of bland since there is not much detail in the grass stalk do to half of it being OOF.

Try using a smaller aperture to correct the DOF problem getting the entire grass stalk in focus. it will greatly improve the photo.

[ELAY]

Hi Kevin, and welcome.

I think you did a very nice job of isolating this weed using depth of field, and rendering a pleasing blurred background. It's not always easy to do with that kit lens, since it only opens to f/5.6 when zoomed out to 55mm.

Looking at the bigger version on flickr, I was a bit surprised to see that not all of the foreground weed was in focus. At f/5.6 I would have thought all of it would be well rendered (not that it necessarily detracts from the photo). I wonder if fiddling with your AF would have given you more of it in focus.

In terms of next time, I might experiment with perspective, and see if I could aim up and get a bit of sky. It would add some colour if you can expose for the blue, and if you had light falling through a tree or something you might get some of those nice bokeh spots.

EL

PS -- Just saw Rex's post. I would add just that if your voyage is anything like mine, it will be an accomplishment to get a nice depth of field effect in the first week; by next week you will be thinking about placement in composition; by the week after you will be choosing backgrounds carefully; the week after you will be watching for how and where the light falls; etc.

So good work on capturing this scene and getting separation using depth of field; now that you have got that down, on to something else next week.

EL

[kevinold]

Hi Rex,

Thanks for your reply and critique. I posted the small version by accident.

Here's the medium size:



I was going for a blurred background, and shot in Auto focus mode. This was only the 3rd or 4th day I'd had the camera and I'd read the recent post about blurred backgrounds.

You suggested a smaller aperture. Here are the stats from the photo, what aperture would you suggest?

Camera: Nikon D40
Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0/6 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
ISO Speed: 400

Thanks for your help,

[RexK_Cozumel]

yeah I didnt mean to come across to harsh but sometimes that is the best way to learn. I would rather someone tell me how it is that way I can try to fix all the different problems on my next attempt. But like Elay said it is a lot to learn some dont get frustrated if you dont get something. That is what DPS is for. I know I have progressed a lot from when I first started thanks to the ppl here at DPS. good luck and keep the photos and questions coming.

[kevinold]

Thanks EL! I really appreciate the feedback. I'm gonna try this blurred background technique a few times this weekend with flower and trees and such. I will experiment more with my AF and take several shots from different angles.

Thanks again for your help!

[kevinold]

Rex,

No worries, you weren't harsh at all. I appreciate the tips! I like the photo, and realize there's always room for improvement.

Kevin

[RexK_Cozumel]

the aperature setting is hard to tell since I dont know a lot about the situation that this photo was taken. Mainly how deep was that stalk of grass? How far away are you from it? Anyways if you are looking for help figuring out DOF then try this site here It is a DOF calculator which will allow you to get a feel for what the different aperature settings will do to your DOF. While it really means nothing out in the field it will help you get a feel for what is going on when you are out taking pictures.

[wulf]

If it is your first week as a DSLR owner, you can look forward to lots of learning

I agree with Rex that the main subject is too small. In fact, there are a whole bunch of things that are worth considering - for example, the colours are very dull (overcast day?), the subject doesn't have enough contrast with the background, the background is too strongly patterned (despite the blur, it still camouflages the subject), the subject is bang in the middle of the frame, it looks like the camera is not quite level....

But don't give up! Keep on learning and then try and remember to take a similar shot in six months - it will almost certainly be much better.

Wulf

[mappleby]

Hey Kevin,
I agree with what everyone has said... the main subject doesn't stand out from the back ground, your main subject it not completely in focus, but I am not much of a critic as I myself am still really new at this.

I mainly want to say that you have come to the right place to learn. The individuals here, Wulf, Elay, Sime, JiminyClickit, Saralonde, RexK_Cozumel, and many, many others are great!!! I myself have seen a drastic improvement in my own photography since participating in these forms. I credit that improvement to these forums.

So welcome!! and remember... some days you might get frustrated but just keep on clicking... I know, I know that was lame... lol