New to photography, flower shot

[Thom_Barnes]

Hi all, i recently bought my first camera: a canon rebel XTi, and am delving into the art of SLR photography. It's pretty mind-blowing, so much to learn!

Anyway, this is a snap i took of a flower in my garden back hoe on the day i got my camera, which you can probably tell by the quality of the image. I didn't use a macro lens or filter for the photo as i can't afford anything right now, so i haven't had a play with closer shots.

Any critique on DOF, colors etc. would really be appreciated as i'm still trying to get my head around some things: in the photo for example i can see that nearer parts of the flower are out-of-focus for a start, but i still struggle on exactly how i'd rectify that.

Thanks in advance, Thom Barnes x

P.S. Hope the size is ok, i'm on a 1920x1200 res monitor so i wasn't sure.

[jjohnsen]

What is your aperture? Are you shooting at a 1.8? A 2.8 would bring more of the flowers into focus.

[sunsetter]

Good for a start. Try changing the aperature and take more shots. Experimenting is a great way to learn..You will find how you can change DOF that will make quite a change. Hang in there..

[wulf]

600px on the longest side for pictures please, where possible linking back to a larger version (check the FAQ).

I agree with the comments that a greater depth of field (via a smaller aperture) would be good for this shot. The subject is great and the background suitably muted but it would be stronger if it was sharp from the nearest petals to about the centre of the flower.

Wulf

[Thom_Barnes]

Thanks alot, i'll take the 600px into a account for next time, thanks for rectifying it for me this time though.

I'll have a play with DoF in a similar shot and see if i can improve the subject focus.

Thom Barnes x

[clockdoc]

Hi Thom and welcome to the group. Nice work for a first posting and being so new to your camera. It would help me greatly, on future posts, if you would add some EXIF data such as ISO, shutter speed and f/stop. Also include any info you think would be helpfull such as lighting or post processing. I look forward to seeing more of your work with your Canon 400D.