Help a "Newbie" out!

[japicha]

Hello everyone,
I am a brand new Digital SLR owner and last night I took my camera out for a test drive. This is the night scene in Washington DC (pool in front of the capitol building).
Since I am thoroughly new to SLR photography, I know that there are some things I should have done differently. I welcome everyone's input. Critiquing my photo will definitely help me be a better photographer.

Camera: Nikon D3000
AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm

EXIF data:
ISO - 400
Aperture - f 3.5
Exposure Bias - 0.00
Exposure time - 0.333s (1/3)
35mm Equivalent - 27mm
Focal Length - 18.0mm
Metering mode - Matrix

[dcclark]

Hello!

First off, welcome to DPS. You're in a good spot to learn about your new camera, and photography in general.

Second, I'll make a few general comments about your photo. I like the deep blue color, and the reflections.

There are a few things I notice right away, however. One is that the photo is crooked -- very easy to fix with any imaging software. More importantly, the subject (the buildings and reflections) are very distant. There is a lot of empty space, and I think the image could be much more interesting if you could get closer (or zoom in). One of the "rules" of photography is to fill the frame -- get close and fill up the frame with yoru subject. This is a rule which is a LOT of fun to break, but not until you have followed it and understood the "rule".

Finally, there's a bit of blur -- did you hand-hold the camera?

[tvoelcker]

Nice job with the critique dcclark.
I agree with everything said especially with the need for more zoom.
I see two very interesting lines that could the viewers eyes into the frame and to the direction of the brightly lit building which I assume is the subject. The lines of course are located on the right and left.
However with everything so distant these lines loose their impact.
But hey, not evryone can afford a powerful zoom.
I do congratulate you on catching some nice reflections and I believe it to be a good shot for a newbie.
Hang around and read as many critiques as you can and jump in on anything you notice on others posts. I think you will find this to be one of the best learning experiences you will find.

[See & Wonder]

I love the colors and the reflection is great. I do agree with dclark that the horizon should be straightened out because it looks lopsided.

Welcome and good job.
CW

[PowerPix]

Help a "Newbie" out...

I caught that, thanks!

*noob vs. newbie*

[japicha]

Hi dcclark,

Thank you so much for your response. I have have noted everything you said about my picture.

I was actually able to zoom in closer than this, but being the green horn that I am, my intention was to capture as much of the whole scene as possible! Quite frankly, I did not even think about zooming in to create more interest, although my camera was quite capable of doing so. I am glad I found dps, I think I will learn a lot here!

As for the blur and crookedness, that was also a result of me fumbling too much with the tripod! The camera moved when I pushed the button becaue I had not secured it to the tripod.

I will head back to the same spot and follow your suggestions. Any comments about camera settings?
I intended to use ISO 800 but inadvertently snapped this shot t ISO 400.

Once again, thank you for critiquing my shot. I have already learned something from you!

AO

[japicha]

Hi Tom,

Having read your post as well as that of dcclark, I realize that I had not even considered zooming in to create more interest, although I had no problem zooming in at all. As for the lines you mention, I noticed them after reading your post!
Obviously, I have lots to learn. Hopefully, my new friends at DPS will nudge me in the right direction.
Alan

[japicha]

Hi CW,
Thanks for your comments. I will pay more attention lining up the shot next time, including making sure the tripod is secure!

Alan

[dcclark]

japicha -- don't worry, now you have some of these ideas in your head (filling the frame, using lines, etc.), so you'll start thinking about them next time you're composing a photo. That's how we all started.

As for ISO -- it's both your friend and your enemy. Higher ISOs can get you faster shutter speeds (which you might want), but they also can introduce "noise" into your photos. Try shooting at ISO 1600 and looking at the image. You'll probably see lots of pixels which have strange colors. This is why, whenever you don't really care about shutter speed (such as when you have a tripod), it's best to go with a low ISO. (All of this is subject to the actual conditions and intentions you have right then and there, but it's good general advice.)

My next advice: just get out and take lots of photos! Now that you've got some new ideas in your head, go looking for opportunities to use them. Practice will help.

Good luck!

[ijbrewst]

Originally Posted by japicha

Hello everyone,
I am a brand new Digital SLR owner and last night I took my camera out for a test drive. This is the night scene in Washington DC (pool in front of the capitol building).
Since I am thoroughly new to SLR photography, I know that there are some things I should have done differently. I welcome everyone's input. Critiquing my photo will definitely help me be a better photographer.

You have received some excellent advice so far; I offer my 2 cents worth.

I think there is a great image here after some cropping. Not always the rule, but reflections balanced around the mid-horizontal usually work well, as does the "rule of thirds" for locating the eye-catching subject. I have had a go as below, to save 1000 words!



DPS I am finding too, is a geat source of help.

Ian