What’s Your Preference?

christopher1099 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-19-2011, 01:21 AM

I purchased a Nikon D80 a few weeks ago. Before then, I owned a Nikon point and shoot. I will be the first to admit, I know nothing about photography but, I am struggling to learn all that I can for, I have fell in love with this hobby. Below is a photo I took after learning a little about the D80. I have used CS5 before but, only for graphics, not photos. Please be honest and critique this photo. Bare in mind I am a 2 week newbie and needing to learn as much as I can. Thanks.........

veritasimagery · #2 (**permalink**) 04-19-2011, 02:13 AM

The colors are nice, but I find the picture a bit confusing. What are you trying to present with this? The out of focus tree in the foreground is very distracting to the whole. And the white "beach" seems to clash with the scene, especially at the point where the "in focus" tree at center crosses it.

Something to ask yourself when shooting is "What do I want to say with this picture?" Photography is an art and therefore each picture should say something, or evoke a feeling. This is a tough thing just starting out and shooting landscapes, or nature shots. Sometimes something that strikes us is meaningless to someone else.

Also, did you do some editing on the trees? Their trunks look like they've been "Photoshopped" into the picture, especially the one just to camera right of the out of focus tree.

Also, please provide all the shooting information so we can help you better.

Kevin
Veritas Imagery NW

benchdog · #3 (**permalink**) 04-19-2011, 02:51 AM

Welcome christopher1099

I'd suggest read everything you can and participate in forums as this. Start with your owners manual and learn your camera inside and out. Study composition, this sight is full of useful information. This is another good reference sight Photography Composition Articles Library. But most of all have some fun.

williamawalker · #4 (**permalink**) 04-19-2011, 12:42 PM

The tree in the foreground splits the image when I look at it. It's distracting since it does not appear to be a focal point. I do like the colors though.

I'm just getting into photography as well and what I have discovered is that there is a LOT of information out there. You can read on composition forever! I always try to take photos that appeal to me and I try and follow the whole "rule of thirds" things, but still end up with some shots like that where the object just doesn't belong.

Krusty79 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-19-2011, 05:21 PM

Welcome to DPS. You've picked out a nice scene - I see some possibilities for some cool shots here, but I think you need to rethink the composition. I'm not quite sure about your intent for this shot - it helps us if you tell us if you were going for a specific effect or mood.

The image does look a little underexposed. You'll want to get familiar with the histogram function in your camera to tell you when images are under/overexposed.

You might want to check out this informative thread. Scroll down to Ken's post:
Landscapes - the Best ways to Shoot them. What to do and What not to do

maulin · #6 (**permalink**) 04-19-2011, 05:34 PM

thats a great pic with good color combination.
only issue is that the pic is lil confusing as what are you tryin to show

tdaniel · #7 (**permalink**) 04-20-2011, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christopher1099

I purchased a Nikon D80 a few weeks ago. Before then, I owned a Nikon point and shoot. I will be the first to admit, I know nothing about photography but, I am struggling to learn all that I can for, I have fell in love with this hobby. Below is a photo I took after learning a little about the D80. I have used CS5 before but, only for graphics, not photos. Please be honest and critique this photo. Bare in mind I am a 2 week newbie and needing to learn as much as I can. Thanks.........

NIce Photo!