One of my first shots with a dslr - Help!

[smo]

Ok so this is one of my first photos taken with my new camera. I went out to take some shots outside (In the afternoon, about 4 o'clock), it was one of the first days with sun after a row of days without. I was itching to have a look at how my camera performs outside, since i had got it a short while before. I've only just started getting into photography, I'm still a teenager and have basically zero experience. I would like to know whether this is a good shot and how I could make it look better. I think it's a bit too dark at the bottom right, but I don't know^^. Some suggestions as to how to make it better would be greatly appreciated (composition, post processing etc..)

And I don't exactly know how to add EXIF data.. maybe someone could help?
Thanks ~ Smo

Camera: Nikon D5000
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture: f/10.0
Focal Length: 20 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Auto, Did not fire

[Doctor Atomo]

I think it is very nicely composed, although I would have liked to include the top of the tree.
In My Opinion, it is too dark in the corner right, as well as a little blown out (bright) on the left.

The way I add my EXIF data is by right clicking on the picture. This brings up a dialog box. At the bottom of this dialog box click on Properties, this brings up another dialog box, click on Details. Scroll down and find the data. I like to include Camera, Lens, Focal Length, Shutter Speed, Aperture (f stop), ISO and Exposure Bias.
I just copy each to a word document and save. This way next time I want to add the data to a post I can just copy, paste and then change the numbers as needed.

This is time consuming, maybe someone else can tell us both an easier way!

Great first post by the way, I love the subject and treatment. I love landscapes, trees, and silhouettes!

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by smo

Ok so this is one of my first photos taken with my new camera. I went out to take some shots outside (In the afternoon, about 4 o'clock), it was one of the first days with sun after a row of days without. I was itching to have a look at how my camera performs outside, since i had got it a short while before. I've only just started getting into photography, I'm still a teenager and have basically zero experience. I would like to know whether this is a good shot and how I could make it look better. I think it's a bit too dark at the bottom right, but I don't know^^. Some suggestions as to how to make it better would be greatly appreciated (composition, post processing etc..)

And I don't exactly know how to add EXIF data.. maybe someone could help?
Thanks ~ Smo

Are you working in Photoshop?...if so, try Shadow Highlight tool, it will help balance the light and dark areas. You can adjust the sliders until you get the image looking a little better.

[Rolling Stone]

I think I would've been interested in a portrait view. (long end vertical) Perhaps standing a few steps to the right. That would've given you the road up on the right third and tree on the left third. And you would've been able to get the tree top in shot. If you have an opportunity to do so, give it a try.
Judging from the shadows, I'd say you were shooting into the sun, or what there was of it. That's difficult. Not necessarily wrong, just difficult. It leaves you with under and over exposures. One trick is to take 2 shots. One focused in the light area and another in the dark area. If you have imaging software (photoshop, gimp, etc) you just lay them over each other.
You also note that you haven't taken your camera out because of lack of sun. DO NOT let nature dictate when you can shoot. Gloomy days make great B&W's Overcast days really bring out colors. A photographer shoots through all of the elements.
It's a good first post. Go out and take some more. Post them here and learn.

[smo]

Ok, Thanks a lot I realised I had been taking all my shots in landscape I guess rotating my camera could change a lot. I'll try and get to the same place and try out another few things that you guys mentioned.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by Doctor Atomo

This is time consuming, maybe someone else can tell us both an easier way!!

For Windows: Pulling Camera Information

[doctorjames]

Good effort, certainly a difficult shot to 'get right' when you are learning a new camera. One of the joys of the DSLR is not having to wait days or weeks to see your results, so you can at least remember yuor thoughts at the time.

I would suggest that the shot is a little underexposed as a whole, although you may end up losing the detail in the sky if deliberately increasing the exposure to bring out the detail in the foreground.

I would recommend shooting in RAW if you can, and its then often possible to bring back this lost detail and adjust as appropriate (I use adobe Lightroom for this).

The other option would be to think about HDR in this instance, although probably not a good idea if you are just starting out with the camera to be honest.

I holeheartedly agree with Rolling Stone, in that aside from driving rain as a beginner (you will wreck your kit) you shouldnt see light levels as poor, just as offering different opportunities!

Happy to explain further if you wish, feel free to private message me.

[windrider86]

when you are viewing your image on your Flickr account, look to the right. You'll see in blue something that says More properties. Click on that and you'll find your exif information.
I posted it for you all ready so it'll be easier next time around

[SuperDan]

I agree with the Doctor here, and would have liked to see the top of the tree!

But, it is a nice shot and you are lucky to be starting with a 5000.. wonderful camera there!

good luck and keep em coming!

[Sterling]

I wouldn't worry too much about losing detail in the sky. If the sky was clear blue there will be no detail to lose. In a B&W shot you can employ colored filters (on camera or in Photoshop) to darken or lighten a blue sky. But that's different than "losing detail."