Please Give a Complete Amateur some Constructive Critique

[swiftmed]

Hey guys,

Well I have owned a DSLR for two weeks now, and am still struggling to learn how to use all of it's settings, etc. I have absolutely zero professional art or photography training, so don't have an 'eye for photography', merely an interest / hobby that I want to learn, master, and get better at.

With that In mind, I am posting this picture of the Tamar Bridge in Plymouth in the hope that you kind people can give me some constructive criticism, which again, id like to take into account in making myself a better photographer.

Thanks for your time.



EXIF Data:

ISO: 100.
Focal Length: 21mm
Aperture: F8
Shutter Speed: 1/200

[dalmorloson]

Please read the instructions for posting in this section. You are supposed to post one shot with EXIF data and specific questions as to what you want critique on. You will get much better critique this way.

[swiftmed]

Please accept my apologies, I hadn't read the instructions, and will modify my post tomorrow morning. (It's midnight where I am right now).

Genuine mistake, and one which i could have avoided if I had read the rules, so again, sorry about that.

[LeeR]

Forgive me for getting on my soapbox here, but in my opinion EXIF data is rarely important and it makes far more sense to ask for it when needed than to demand it for every image. The above images are for the most part in focus and properly exposed. I have a hard time seeing how adding that data will do anything but satisfy an antiquated requirement desperately in need of revision. If you have the temerity to demand the EXIF be posted then you should also be required, in a subsequent posting, to show how why that information was needed.
(Stepping down off soapbox now.)
All of these images are good for a beginner. I suggest you shoot anything and everything. In time you will find the things that you find compelling and evocative. In my opinion, the second shot is the best of the bunch for its use of repitition of forms.

[navcom]

Originally Posted by LeeR

Forgive me for getting on my soapbox here, but in my opinion EXIF data is rarely important and it makes far more sense to ask for it when needed than to demand it for every image. The above images are for the most part in focus and properly exposed. I have a hard time seeing how adding that data will do anything but satisfy an antiquated requirement desperately in need of revision. If you have the temerity to demand the EXIF be posted then you should also be required, in a subsequent posting, to show how why that information was needed..

Actually, it is quite important in the sense that we can see a ton of information. I actually get a good feel for the photographer just looking at what settings they used for the shot. Are they using manual or auto modes, are they using proper aperture for the DOF they want or what is required for the shot, is the out of focus due to DOF or focus, did they use auto or manual focus.

I use this information for every shot I critique. It's not the "only" information I use but it's extremely helpful especially if the OP is very new to photography. It's a good starting point for any critique. It helps get them oriented on the path to good habits and good photographic decision-making skills.

But you are right in a sense...some folks put too much focus on the EXIF and not on the image intent.

[swiftmed]

Thanks to the Mods for deleting the additional pictures.

I have also added my EXIF data for the picture I'd like critique on. Any advice you guys and girls can give a complete novice will be much appreciated.

[Cold]

I really like this shot. You've got interesting stuff in the foreground, but the bridge is clearly the main event here. Good use of lines and space as well. The sky didn't do you any favors, but there really isn't much you can do to change the weather. Thumbs up.

[swiftmed]

Thank you very much. I appreciate your feedback.

[Krusty79]

Nice shot, it looks like you're off to a good start. I don't think very many of us on this site have professional art or photographic training, so don't get intimidated. I'd like to see you take this shot again with a more interesting sky. I like the boats in the foreground - my only beef is that they make the foreground very busy with their colors and the fact that they're positioned at different angles. It takes some of my attention away from the bridge.

[swiftmed]

Originally Posted by Krusty79

Nice shot, it looks like you're off to a good start. I don't think very many of us on this site have professional art or photographic training, so don't get intimidated. I'd like to see you take this shot again with a more interesting sky. I like the boats in the foreground - my only beef is that they make the foreground very busy with their colors and the fact that they're positioned at different angles. It takes some of my attention away from the bridge.

Thank you Krusty.

Yes, the weather hasn't been that great in England right now, but I won't complain about that, given the current situation in other parts of the world. The good thing is its coming up to Summer now, which will give me plenty of opportunity to get out with the sun shining and getting some great shots.

I will be sure to get another shot in the same location on a better day, and lets hope that the boats are a little better aligned etc to make an even better picture. I do have a few versions of this shot which to varying degrees, have the boats in, slightly different angles, etc, but of the bunch, this one came out the best, in my opinion.

One can only improve with time, advice, practice and a great website like this though, so I thank you once again for your input.