Woodland walk.

[Barking Mad]

This shot was taken whilst using my DSLR fpr the very first time.
It was taken about 4pm in failing winter sunlight.



By rashabeagle at 2012-01-16

Exposure Time = 1/60"
F Number = F5
Exposure Program = Normal program
ISO Speed Ratings = 400
Exposure Bias Value = ±0EV
Focal Length = 41mm

[shruggy63]

Hi, was the shot handheld? You realised that the light was weak so you obviously knew that if that light & shadow coming from the side was stronger you'd have a better pic? I don't understand why you had the aperture at F5, go for F8-F11 for a shot like this to get a deeper depth of field. I think the A shaped composition with the dark rings on the trees aligning on the horizontal is a plus though some may say there's a lack of subject.
Boosting colour & contrast with software could make it better but if you can, I'd reshoot when the light's better. On a personal campaigning note, I really think to get great images photographers should be prepared to intervene in their photos. This scene could look superb if you re-shot with stronger side light & you had a load of dry ice? :-)

[Barking Mad]

Thanks for the reply.

This shot goes to show how much I have to learn. I thought at the time it would be a great shot. I obviously did not capture the 'mood'.

Having just got a DSLR, I now need to get to know how to use it to its full advantage.

My next post should be 10x better.

[shruggy63]

It's much easier to criticise than take good shots mate.

[NgaiHill]

Nothing wrong with that, for your first shot.
Couple of things I noticed, compositionally....

Did you think about getting lower? Either knee level or even ankle level? It'll make that path look like it stretches further into the distance and slightly changes the perspective. At the moment it just looks like a bog-standard eye level shot.

The tree in the distance looks like its growing right in the middle of the path. Maybe the path curves around it but to me it looks like a barrier blocking my way - the last thing I want to see in a shot like this. Maybe you could reshoot from the other side of the tree if the path is still straight. Not much else you can do about the tree, can hardly go cut it down!

I think you've shot at the right time of the day, late afternoon light is often warmer & softer and in this case adds interesting shadows across the path. I think your light could've been enhanced in PP - if you have Photoshop try playing with the levels and boosting the saturation a wee bit.

Some people would say you need to have a foreground interest but I personally think that would detract from the path that leads your eyes into the scene.

[Krusty79]

The focus looks soft to me, even though you used 1/60. Maybe you need to work on your camera holding technique - How to Hold a Digital Camera

I agree that the colors look flat. A levels adjustment may help. Sometimes just setting the black and white points make a huge difference - Levels: Getting the Professional 'Pop'

I also agree that you should NOT get in the habit of mostly shooting at eye level. Most of the time, I have found changing your perspective will yield better shots.