First Post!

[Tralfamadorian]

Hi,

I am very new to photography as an art form. I've been tinkering with a simple point and shoot camera for a while, but about two months ago I started exploring the different control options... and I... how should I put this... I saw the light, and I liked what I saw, heh. I'd like to know what you all think of this photo.

[jiminyClickit]

Tralfamadorian, Welcome

I, too, see the light, and it takes my attention away from the berries, which split the photo in half, are too dark to show detail and color well, and are in front of a background that further demands more of my attention.

So how I can say it's a good photo? Because it's a first post and shows where you are and how you might change a few things to reach your best skills and learn new ones. Berries are sharp, very important. And you said photography is an art form: you'll do fine.

[Sandie]

Well, It made me stop and study it. I like the colors and the shallow depth of field. What would have made it more interesting is if the berries in focus were running diagonally across the frame and the bright whites toned down a bit. I would say keep working with this subject. Reshoot them from lots of different angles and distances. I think you have a real shot at creating something interesting.

[Tralfamadorian]

Thank you both for your advice! Btw, a friend of mine bought me my first film camera for the holidays. It's a Minolta XD-11... I'm so excited. :P

[Saralonde]

Something to remember about darkness and light in an image: your eye will generally travel to the brightest area first. So when you look at this image, the first thing that registers is the overly bright sky, not the subject of your shot. Try taking from a different angle or perhaps use some flash to light your subject.

[Tralfamadorian]

For some reason, I really wanted the light to peer out from behind the berries even though that does darken them. I should have tried it with a flash. Thanks!

[jiminyClickit]

Tralfamadorian,

Here's two without flash; just take a reading on foreground objects to set camera functions:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1048/...6c87d6a60d.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/5...6835de7c_b.jpg

[Tralfamadorian]

That makes sense, thanks!