Shots from my 1st DSLR

[Jammers]

This was shot while lazing around the pool in Lombok.

I'm a real beginner, so all comments are welcomed!

[lputman]

Welcome to dPS. Per the Critique Forum Rules, please include your EXIF if available and ask specifically what you would like critique on.

[Diann]

Your shot is great for a beginner. I think sharper contrast would make the image even better. When I was a beginner, I took the same shot over and over again with different settings. Try that; you will be surprised how different the same picture will be.

[Jammers]

A friend told me that this picture had 2 primary focus points; the woman on the left and the tree on the right. She suggested that I split the picture into 2 i.e. the woman and the tree as separate pictures.
What are your views?

[Jammers]

Thanks Diann. So how would I be able to sharpen the picture (without post-production)? Where then should my focus point be (the woman), or use a higher f-No?

I use a Cannon 500D, F/4.5, ISO 100, focal length 22

[KansaiGreenie]

Hi Jammers. Nice image! The 'layers' created by the sky, the sea and the pool are wonderful.

I have to agree with your friend. I think that the image would be better if it was just about the woman. For me, the tree on the right adds a nice balance to the image, but the tree is not very interesting compared to the woman. I would keep the image as a long crop, but I would cut-out the tree. Also, I would try to lighten up the woman so we could see her face a little more. I don"t know what software you are using to post process, but it is possible to adjust the exposure (especially if you shoot RAW).

Good job!

KG

[Wylde007]

i like it and i hope you don't mind me having a little edit.

[Jammers]

Wow, looks very much better! Tks!

[Jammers]

Originally Posted by Wylde007

i like it and i hope you don't mind me having a little edit.

What technique did you use to remove the shrubs (along the pool line) and the branches on the left?

[Wylde007]

Originally Posted by Jammers

What technique did you use to remove the shrubs (along the pool line) and the branches on the left?

it was all done in photoshop, clone tool to remove stuff, i made two copies of your photo, one version i edited the sky the other i edited up to the horizon then patched them together.