Christmas Ordainments

[slacklininrn]

Hi, I've never done any real low-light photography or used a tripod before. Tonight I was doing some work and got inspired at my Christmas tree and decided to fool around. What do you think... exposure, DOF, framing... I'm really looking for critique and suggestions! Thanks guys!

#1


***Settings***
ISO: 200
Shutter speed: 0.80sec
F-Stop: f/5.0
85.00mm
No Flash
28-135mm IS f3.5-5.6

#2


***Settings***
ISO: 200
Shutter speed: 1.60sec
F-Stop: f/5.6
135.00mm
No Flash
28-135mm IS f3.5-5.6

[Murtasma]

I find the 1st image to be much better then the 2nd from a compostion standpoint. The bulb in the 2nd photo is to out of focus I find it pretty distracting. The first image however I find to be pleasing. The golden soft colors really remind me of christmas. I think you apature was chosen wisely I would like to see what the image would have looked like stop down a stop or two or opened up a stop. For these close macro shots I also like to try out several diffrent apature's and see what gets the best blur or depth depending on what I was going for in the image.

I think you did a nice job on the 1st image perhaps cropping out the bulb in the 2nd image or getting in closer next time to the statue would help that picture.

[windrider86]

The first is my favorite by far. Althot he ribbon in the front is out of focus and the ones behind it are in focus is a minor detail and easliy fixed. It almost has a Christmas card feel to it.
The second does not hold my attention. The bulb is too large, too out of focus and in competition witht he angel ornament