My first serious attempt at learning - critique of colors and sky please

[skodela]

Hi folks

Please see the full pic here
10004 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I just started learning f-stops, aperture and shutter and so on. This is my first attempt at learning rather than aim-shoot. I used a Fuji Finepix S9500.

Shutter 1/340s
f 4.5
ISO200
f=6.2mm

Any ideas on what is wrong with the sky and suggestions on color balance? Any other suggestions as well.

Thanks

[EOBeav]

It would be nice to see this taken at a different time of day. Sunrise and sunset are the two best times of the day. In this shot, you've got some bright sunlight along with some shady areas, and the two don't play nicely together in a camera sensor. Come back at a different time, set your camera on a tripod and see what you get.

[Michael_2010]

Did the camera choose those settings?

[skodela]

@EOBeav:

Thanks. I took it on the way to work. It was around 8AM and the tree looked as if it was on fire. Wanted to capture the flaming type appearance. Will try the evening light but the fall leaves are almost dry now on this tree.

Changed the link: critique-req.jpg-small | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

@Michael_2010:
Hi there. I think these were camera chosen settings. If I am not mistaken I put it in Av or P. Should keep a better notes.

[photocist]

It appears to be overexposed. Try taking that exposure to 1/500 or even 1/640. You should get more defined colors and outlines of the shot.

Actually, try stopping up maybe 3-4 stops, up to about 8-10, and set your exposure to around 1/340-1/200. You should get a much sharper image and the colors will pop with a little editing with levels and curves on photoshop.

[troutwhisperer]

Your EXIF information for this photo indicates you shot in Aperture Priority.

[leviathan]

@skodela, I think you captured the beautiful fall colors really well. I really like how the leaves are backlit with the sun as well. I appreciate being able to see some of the details of the tree, seeing as you have filled the frame with the subject. Another idea would be to widen the shot a bit to give your subject some breathing room. Keep 'em coming! I like what I see.

[skodela]

Thanks for all the comments. I am just getting my head round all the terminology, the interaction of f-stops/iso and shutter and so on. One day I will get it :-)

I just put a few experiments on the flickr here Macro Art - a set on Flickr .

I sure am having fun which is where I am focusing. Also started to learn gimp.