A Cold Bale of Hay

[utsuri]

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This is the first picture I've uploaded here. I'm trying to learn how to use an easier camera well before I upgrade. It's also the only camera I've ever really worked with.

So here's what I'm wondering. I wanted the bale of hay to be the focus but it almost seems as if the trees are what's most in focus. My camera doesn't have a manual focus option, or at least I haven't found it. It says in the manual that unless it recognizes a face in the picture, whatever is in the center will end up being in focus, which is it what it looks like to me.

I do like the lighting, although I don't know very much about lighting anyway.

It was shot with a Nikon Coolpix L22 (a point and shoot) about an hour and a half before sunset, 1/21/11.

Exposure 1/160
Aperture f/5.3
Focal Length 17.5 mm
ISO Speed 80

[SwissJon]

Ok.. First thing I would do is read the manual and find out the capabilities.. You want to know if there's a way to change the speed, focus, aperture and ISO settings manually.

Knowing these things will help you discover what you can and can't change, and help you choose your subject accordingly.

I'm guessing the camera is fairly basic. In which case you can probably set the focus by half pressing the shutter release, holding, then recomposing, and that's about it.

Your picture has to busy a background for your camera. You need to choose your subject more carefully, something a bit simpler, this one would be good if you were able to alter the Depth of Field.. The idea you have, going out at dawn, is a good one, the subject is well placed, well done, this shows you have the right idea, just that your ideas are being held back by your camera, and perhaps a little by your inexperience.

I suggest you do some reading on the basics of photography, and learn about the four things I mentioned above, as well as the basics of composition..

Take a look here.. It might help: What To Do With Your New Camera

[utsuri]

Thanks a lot for your suggestions. I played around with my camera more this afternoon and read some more of the manual to find out what it could and couldn't do. I think I just need to get more practice and experience. Once again, thanks for the advice.