First photos taken with my new D80

[blinking81]

Hello,

I realise i'm meant to post only one picture per thread, I just felt as none of these are nice enough shots by themselves, I'm more looking for help and advice on how I can improve these shots and my shooting 'style', and what to do diffrently in future, rather than an analysis of one 'perfect' shot.

I picked up the D80 yesterday, a day too late to photograph all the snow that we've had in the UK for the last few days. Anyway, here are the first few shots I've taken with the camera, nothing is partularly framed or composed, rather I was just trying to figure out how to use the camera as it is my first camera of any kind

I had just unpackaged the camera, charged it up, and started taking photos of my shoe, my books, my wall EVERYTHING. I looked out the window - saw this shot and took it through the glass.


ISO 100, Aperture f/5.3, 1/320s, exposure bias -1/3

I quickly packed up and went off to a party and took millions of photos; almost all the shots were stupidly dark or had scary flash, this is the only one that looked intresting. The only reason I like it is because it was the only one that came out looking ok from all the party shots.


ISO 1600, aperture f/3.5, 1/8s

Went out to a bar after that, for the next party, saw this guy about to take the shot, and so I brought up my camera.. and... well I entirely missed the shot. By the time I had clicked in the settings I wanted and pressed the shutter he had moved. But I waited until he was back in the position and this time I was ready.


ISO 100, aperture f/4, 1/25s

If there are any problems with posting more than one photo, I can sperate them all up. I just felt my able to see a few of my shots I may get more help about how to improve overall.

Thanks in advance.
Eric

[blinking81]

Forgot the last photo,

Final shot of the night was me being dropped off outside my house, looked up the street and took this last picture.


ISO 1250, aperture f/4, 1/13s

Thanks again,
Eric

[jiminyClickit]

blinking81,

You have the equipment, and you certainly have the eye for composition. You even posted camera settings next to each photo. With those, experienced people can tell you how to better expose each one, if necessary. Practice and the critiques of DPSers will probably get you to appreciate how good these photos are, out-of-the-box camera or not. Shoot away and stay inspired.

(Are these 'Auto' or have you chosen settings each time?)

[Saralonde]

You are definitely enjoying your new equipment! Have fun and shoot a lot. We learn from our mistakes as well as our sucesses. Love that first sillouette!

[blinking81]

Originally Posted by jiminyClickit

blinking81,

You have the equipment, and you certainly have the eye for composition. You even posted camera settings next to each photo. With those, experienced people can tell you how to better expose each one, if necessary. Practice and the critiques of DPSers will probably get you to appreciate how good these photos are, out-of-the-box camera or not. Shoot away and stay inspired.

(Are these 'Auto' or have you chosen settings each time?)

These are settings i've chosen, however they were after much trial and error as i have yet to have a strong understanding of appropriate settings i should use. ie. I'd take 10 shots, changing the settings until it gave me what i wanted. until i get used to the equipment, its jsut how im learning.

Saralonde - thanks for the encoragement, I loved the colours in the first shot. Although I felt it wasnt really doing much. Nice colours but nothing else going for it.

[shellypain]

The street w/ streetlights is very evocative!
I like the way the eye is carried off and away.
You're gonna love that camera. And we're all going to enjoy seeing your work.
Michele

[photonoob]

I like the pool one - the details coming out of the darkness, with the richness of the reds standing out. Sounds silly, but it reminds me of a Rembrandt in style - mostly a velvety darkness, but with rich colour emerging out of the gloom.

[hsroxas]

I also like the 3rd image (the pool).
Looks to me you've got steady hands, despite the relatively slow shutter speed, image came out free from blur.
Enjoy your new gear. Happy shooting !