My First DSLR Photos

[i am ryan]

Hello, These are my first dslr photos. I just purchased a Nikon D40. Please comment so I can better understand on how to shoot better. I cant remember the settings. Thanks - Ryan



Camera: Nikon D40
Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture: f/22
Focal Length: 86 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0/6 EV

[vandergus]

Here are your settings. The "more properties" link down on the right hand side of the photo page will take you there. One of the great things about digital, you never have to write down what your settings were because they're all embedded in the image file.

As far as the substance of the picture, I think it's pretty good. The placement of the people in the bottom right of the picture leaves plenty of room in the rest of the scene to create some context (the pier for example). Although, I wish I could see their feet. I think I also would have liked to see the people larger in comparison to the rest of the scene. One way to do that is to use a shorter focal length (wider angle) and move closer to the subject. This will leave everything in the background about the same size and make the couple larger. I know you probably didn't have a lot of time to setup the shot but it's something to keep in mind for next time.

The pier in the background looks a little washed out but that's probably due to the natural haziness of the environment. You could probably do some photoshopping so selectively boost the colors in that area but I'm not the person to give you those directions.

Overall, I like it, just a couple things I would try to do differently, as there always are .

[i am ryan]

I was walking away from the beach when I saw the 2 surfers walk by. Only my 3rd day with the camera and know much about DSLR's or photography. There is so much so learn abot DSLR's..

I did notice alot of haze in my beach shots. Is there some kind of filter that I could purchase to help with this?

BTW, I looked at your pictures and they are very nice. Looking forward to the day when I know my camera better to take those kind of shots.

Ryan

[vandergus]

As far as the reducing haze goes there are a couple of things you can do. There are some filters that can do the job. A circular polarizing filter (CPL) is one such filter. CPL's block reflected light and since haze is basically light scattering off of vapor and other particles in the air, it can effectively block the scattered light and significantly cut haze.

On the post-processing side, adjusting the levels for an image is the easiest way to reduce haze. Here's a brief description of how levels work in Photoshop, it's very similar in other programs as well. To make the correction you basically take the left hand slider and move it to the right. This redefines where the black point is in your histogram and increases the contrast in your image. This may not work very well for your photo because the people are already pretty black. Adjusting the levels may make your background look nice but turn your couple into little blocks of charcoal. Anyway, couldn't hurt to experiment a little and see what you come up with.

[i am ryan]

Again, thank you for the advice. very much appreciated. -Ryan

[lhinnz]

This is my first time posting and am nervous. I enjoy taking pictures and would like to sharpen my skills to work professionally. Please give your thoughts on this photo and check out my flickr stream below:

Flickr: lhinnz's Photostream

Thank you so much,
Z

[fmark]

sorry wrong post

[EOBeav]

The best way to learn digital photography is to shoot constantly and learn from your mistakes. If you're just starting out, be sure and learn the exposure triangle so you can switch from automatic settings to having them completely under your control.

[windrider86]

Your photo is gone!

[Michael_2010]

That is one of the best "This Photo Is Currently Unavailable" shots I have ever seen!