Quality & Composition

[Jense]

Exposure 1/100
Aperture f/8.0
ISO 200
Focal length 89.7 mm



I was so drawn to the subtle purple in contrast to the black lamps . . . I am wondering if it's just me or did I actually capture an essence that translates as interesting.

Also, this was my first time using my Canon on manual settings, so I am very interested on any quality critiques that can be offered. Color? Composition? Focus?

Thanks in advance!

[SwissJon]

Not sure.. 3 is a good number in a photograph.. Shame the lights weren't in a more intreresting shape and at that angle you aren't contrasting the lights against the purple, you needed to go round a little so it was behind them.

I think I would have opened up the lens a stop.. Perhaps gone to ISO400 and shot at 1/100th at f/5.6.. The result is that the background would have got more blurred, it's currently fighting for my attention as it's still got a lot of detail.

I think if you like the lights, I would have been tempted to move much closer to try to fill the frame with the subject, focus on the middle light and open up a stop further to f/4 and that should throw the front and back ones were out of focus, providing colour interest as well as really getting down on the subject you intended.

I don't think you've got a bad picture there, I think you've got the right idea, and the right head, just lack experience, and hey, there's only one way to get experience isn't there.

Well done for putting you camera on Manual.. You're braver than I am, I tend to leave it on Aperture priority. Leave it where it is, it's a steep learning curve, but you've got the eye, just learn how to put what you see into the camera.

[Jense]

Thanks SwissJon! Your response is on the money what I am looking for. Hand slap to forehead as I read your comments ... of course! I could see what you meant. I did have a good laugh, though, because if I had moved around a bit I would have been smack dead in the middle of a busy narrow street. As it was I was perched precariously on a snowbank. But hey, a good shot is worth a little danger, right? [wink]

I hadn't fully registered that I have been 'bothered' by that background, too. Your advice is great on that. Fortunately, that wall isn't going anywhere. I'll be back to it.

You said ... "... just learn how to put what you see into the camera." I'm hanging on to that as my mission statement.

Huge thanks for taking the time to respond. I'm walking on air ... 'cause I'm finally getting somewhere. Click!

[benchdog]

Nice work, my first try on manual was only good for the trash bucket. I think your exposure was dead on. My concern with opening the aperture to f5.6 would be that the light to the right would also be blurred. I would suggest shooting it from the opposite angle it looks like there may be some interesting detail in the building you could have captured.

Keep it in manual great job!

[Jense]

Thank you benchdog! I appreciate your comments, and get the hint that I have to spend more time with exploration of angles and where I position myself. Sometimes I rush because I am too eager. No shame in being a blushing beginner!