New member, new camera, 1st DSLR

[JonInAtlanta]

Just stumbled across this forum this morning. Looks like just what I need to to build up my skills and techniques.

This is one of the first pictures I've taken with my new Canon XTi.
Any and all thoughts appreciated.

Jon

Please keep pictures under 600px on the longest side (Read the forum rules here)

[wulf]

I think the picture has a lot of strong points, like a good combination of colours. What it seems to lack to me is a clear message about what the subject is. The foreground rock is a bit soft and plain, while the leaves of the tree draw the eye with their colour but aren't quite crisp (even checking the full-size version on Picasa). Adding in some clutter in the background, just below the level of the red leaves, it doesn't quite work as a whole.

Is it a scene somewhere near you? If so, go back and grab some more pictures before all the leaves fall. I prefer your preceeding shot, where the eye is drawn up the waterfall to the bridge and the foreground rocks have more light and shade.

Wulf

[shawngrimes]

Welcome to the forum. As a relative newcomer myself I can attest to how great this forum is and how much you'll learn from the regulars like Wulf.

Congrats on the new camera (whatcha get?)!

As for your photo, there's no real subject in there for me. I'm drawn to the color of the leaves but they aren't sharp enough to hold my interest so my eyes wonder looking for something to anchor too that's no where to be found. Keep at it and I look forward to seeing more of your shots here.

[clockdoc]

Hi and welcome to the group. Is there a squirrel or bird drinking water in the shot? Hard to tell even trying the image on Picasa. Nice exposure and color. Just something to think about--- Trees work best when they have an anchor and not when they grow out of the side of the frame. Keep shooting. I look forward to viewing more of your work.

[aadam_21]

I agree that this may have worked better with the tree not coming out of the side of the frame and the leaves a little more crisp in focus.

Hurricane Shoals is a great place to shoot, though. How long ago was this taken? I ask because I'm planning to shoot some portraits of a friends children here this weekend and I'm wondering if the foliage is still pretty nice.