Macro shots

[hlngre23]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and to photography. I purchased my first SLR a couple of days ago (canon eos 400d) along with a 60mm macro lens and have been playing around with shots of Christmas decorations. I have no photography knowledge (have just bought my first book on the subject, Langford's starting photography) so would appreciate some constructive criticism. Many thanks

I took this using the macro lens. It's the base of a Christmas tree decoration that I have. I'm quite pleased with how it looks but would appreciate some technical comments/criticism.

[Mr. Clipit]

I haven't gotten my hands on a DSLR yet but I must say theres a great strip of tack-sharpness moving down the tree - i can see the individual dust particles. You make me want a SLR with a macro lens now.
The shot is well exposed, and I personally like the way its composed. The dust adds a nice effect to it, the only thing i would say is dust the tree off and take another shot, and see which you like better. Other note is that on the third row up are three dots along the rung, which are (very) mildly distracting. You could clone stamp them out, but I wouldnt go so far as to say its necessary. I just like the shot so much that I'm drawing a blank trying to pull out critique.
By the by, I also like that reindeer shot on your Flickr page.

[kimspics]

Hay there, I think this is gorgeous, I am also new to this site ,however I do photography as a hobby and have alot to learn. Santa brought me the Nikon D300 w/ an18-200mm lens. Boy after seeing this shot I really want a macro lens. Great pic !!!!!

[Matthew James Norman]

Hi hlngre23,

What a great close-up and great choice of subject. I am looking at getting a 400D with macro lens and could do with a few reviews, hints and ideas. Thanks for posting.

[jiminyClickit]

hlngre23, Welcome

It's hard to know until you try: the background might be more "back" if it were either more an even tone, or a more gradually transitioning color. A Christmas tree light blurred image behind would also help take this out of an industrial spring category and into a more holiday-suggestive look as an ornament. Good work, beginner or not.

[mikeboy]

I like it! The composition is interesting, the level detail you achieved is amazing, I do however find the background to be a bit uninteresting and unrelated, perhaps a solid color, or a gradient like jiminyClickit suggested would be more appropriate and let you focus the viewer on the subject, rather than drawing the attention to the division between light and dark.

[hlngre23]

Thanks everyone. It's really useful to get some feedback. I hadn't really considered the background too much. I think I'm still in point, click and hope for the best mode. Will definitely look at background more closely in future.

[jiminyClickit]

hlngre,

Even with some knowledge, we still Point-n-Pray. Can't hurt to add a positive spin!