Newbie here looking to improve

[mackenziedawn]

hi there!!

Just recently got a nikon d40 with a 50-200mm lense. Looking for any comments or ideas so I can get better!!! thanks!

[TomTomTuning]

Have you gotten any books yet?

The first book i read was "Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. This is proablly the first book anyone would recommend you read. And then learn how to use whatever "Post Processing" software you choice to use.

I just picked up "7-points" and "Photoshop cs3 book for digital photographers".
And i am loving it...

Your picture is fine, but it doesn't Wow me.
Colors are blah!...
And i don't like the angles.

Get in front of him, at his level.. have him open those great ol' eyes and play with the picture in ps or something to help bring the colors out.

[NaturesPixel]

i like it .. its as much as i get with my 3 yr old, even if i get down to his level...lol
if you are going to be photographing people...

the book "SKIN: by Lee Varis" is a MUST.. it comes with excellent tutorials for photoshop and a DVD with the files needed... everything you wanna know about getting exposure and skin tones just right

[Abby]

I agree also that the picture doesn't wow me, BUT I love his skin tone, it looks angelic. I also think that you can spice this picture up if you crop it at half of his face on one side (I would take the left side of the picture) (it would make a fabulous advertisment for something where the kid is totally bummed out)

The picture is crisp, also something that I really like about it. I would keep taking pictures of this little one, he's a great subject. Thanks for your post.
-Abby

[mackenziedawn]

wow!! this is very cool! thanks for all the imput. Could anybody recommend a started book? Something that will cover all the bases?

I desaturated the photo a little bit . Not too sure why I just thought the original was a little harsh or something....here is the original. do you like it better??

thanks again!!
Mack

[TerryL]

I like the last one best.

[stuali62]

Happy New Year - I agree I like the second pic - the emotion is wonderful!

[FrankenPengie]

Definitely yes to the color. The original is awesome. It does suffer what looks to be some motion blur. Some Unsharp Mask can help. The area right around the nose could use some color too. I tried a 30 feather lasso around the white part of the middle of the face, and then went to Levels and bumped the left mark over a touch, and the center to the right another touch - just enough to lose the dullness in the area. Too much and the nose takes over. This adjustment may make a B&W conversion or de-saturation more bearable but the colors are just right as-is.

[TomTomTuning]

Originally Posted by mackenziedawn

wow!! this is very cool! thanks for all the imput. Could anybody recommend a started book? Something that will cover all the bases?

I cant stress how much i recommend this book.

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-.../dp/0817463003

This is a definite most have. And a even better First "Starter book"

I haven't read them yet, but i hear " The Digital Photography Book" and "The Digital Photography Book II" are also good. And they are also Best sellers on Amazon... Including Understanding-Exposure

[pinkrose]

second photo grabs my eye more than the 1st one


also a little tip
when taking photos of children if you can take it from there level their chins and head shape wont look over long making the photo more balanced