first post :)

[debambam]

Firstly, a big hello to everyone! I'm very new to this site and have spent the last couple of hours just reading and exploring....can't wait to do more as I've already learned so much already.

Recently we bought an Olympus e510 dslr as I had kind of outgrown my compact digital. Here is one of my first attempts at deliberately setting up a shot AND using manual settings.



Camera: OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP.
Model: E-510
ISO: 1600
Exposure: 1/200 sec
Aperture: f/4.6
Focal Length: 73mm
Flash not fired

I did play slightly with this...from memory I think it was simply an increase in shadows using picasa, but please don't quote me! The original was shot in black and white mode, something I don't usually do but thought I could compare the quality of choosing the setting on the camera and doing it with processing....

Anyway, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated, feel free to edit and repost
Cheers, Kelly

p.s Is there anywhere for members to introduce themselves in the forum? A specific thread somewhere for newbies to raise their hands and share a little about themselves??!! (nevermind, I found it...should try opening my eyes once in a while hey )

[clockdoc]

Hi and welcome to the group. Thank you for posting the EXIF data right under the photo and not having us hunt for it via links. Not bad for your first posting. The skin quality has a luminous appearance that doesn't look quite right on my monitor. Did you do some blurring or is this the result of your other post work? The photo held good tonal range otherwise even at ISO 1600. Nice background that provides separation and does not compete with the subject. You may want to try enhancing the catchlights with software to add a little more sparkle. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

[jaydubyasee]

Hi and, as clockdoc said, welcome to DPS. I was looking through your other pictures and I think number 32 is such a captivating shot. You just have to wonder what she is thinking.

[RexK_Cozumel]

Hello and welcome to DPS. For a first post this is pretty good. I would suggest cropping in even more on the face to really emphasize the subject. I mean you chopped off the top of her head anyways so why not use it to your advantage and get even closer on the other sides. Also what Clockdoc said about the catchlights. Her eyes seem a but lifeles.. enhancing the catchlights in them will fix that.

[Bruce]

Newbie here too. Welcome. I like her expression and I agree that cropping in closer would be worth trying. Good luck.

[debambam]

Thanks everyone...still playing around and learning so much, always learning!

Clockdoc - I didn't do any blurring at all, only enhanced shadows a bit, I really liked the contrast it gave her hair. Not sure whether that would do it? Half the reason I started shooting at that time was the background , it was simply some stone pavers in the driveway of the cabin where we were staying :P

Jay - Personally my favorite is 34 She just looks so cheeky! Glad you like them though. Thanks for looking

Rex - Me and my partner just had a 'discussion' on the chopping off of heads. I have no issues doing it, especially if it enhances composition, but he hates it! I do agree about her eyes being a bit lifeless in this, and indeed the series that I took at the same time. Will have a go at more cropping.

Anyway I'll have a play around and see what I can do, will repost once I do

Thanks again everyone!