First photo client!

[james0803]

Hello everyone, I'm James and I would like you to take a little time to point me in the right direction of taking better macro photo's. Now first off I couldn't get my client to sign a release form so I hope he doesn't sue me Secondly I am NOT USING a DSLR! Nothing against a DSLR, it's just that I like the idea of taking my new G11 and learning it in every way I possibly can so I can take DSLR like images or better will be A LOT more fun to me. I know that everyone says nothing will ever take photo's like the big pro DSLR's but I beg to differ Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Thank you in advance.

James.

Basic info on shot:

Canon Powershot G11
Macro Mode
AV mode
No Flash
Hand held no tripod.


Ok now Flickr has a mile long list on the EXIF data so only going to include the main things I feel will give you a better idea of how I composed the shot.

Exif data

Camera Canon PowerShot G11
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/2.8
Focal Length 6.1 mm
ISO Speed 80
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
Orientation Horizontal (normal)

to view image on Flickr here is the direct link.
IMG_0292 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Again Thanks for your time.

[bruceliv]

I took the liberty of viewing your macros on flickr. I believe you missed the boat by not placing your better image for critique. This one:



My suggestion would be to rotate image 90º CCW. Crop off top brown area. After Rotation, crop right side so the "beggar" will have some room in the direction it's looking at. Then your image will have some interest. The only thing that's not pleasant is the ground or whatever it is. That doesn't appear natural.

IMO, this picture has a shallow depth of field that's correct for the subject because of the "pose." In your posted image, the shallow DoF distracts from the image. Also, in your original, the bug is just "there." Here, the "beggar" is doing something -- much more interesting.

James, the G11 is a very nice camera and you will learn a lot about photography. Carrying around a P&S is a lot of fun, especially a high quality one. But to compare it to a dSLR equipped with a dedicated macro lens is comparing apples and oranges. As you learn more about photography, you'll find the lack of ease of manual controls will limit you. With macro work, you need to be able to control the focusing, often down to one hair! Also, the dynamic range and low-light capabilities are limited because of the small sensor.

[james0803]

Thank you for your input Bruce. I completely see what you mean about my initial post the caterpillar is just there. I thought about rotating the one you posted, but couldn't make up my mind. He was actually about chest high on the side of the house while I took the photo you posted. I took the shot from just above him as he was leaning out "reaching for my lens" The funny color background is actually the blah colored brick on our house lol The whole house with that color brick doesn't as you say "look natural"

As for the comparison of my G11 to a DSLR I know there is no way it will do the same job as a dedicated macro lens and especially (my favorite shots) dealing with DOF is very limited on my G11 versus a DSLR. But where I am going with my "self teaching" is I want to train myself as well as my G11 (per se) to take as close to DSLR photos as possible all the while having fun doing it. Then when I have that figured out I will move up into a DSLR and in my mind will feel more comfortable because I will already have a general knowledge of what the settings do, etc.

Again Thanks for the comment and suggestions!! Have a great week!!

[bruceliv]

"..I want to train myself as well as my G11 (per se) to take as close to DSLR photos as possible all the while having fun doing it. Then when I have that figured out I will move up into a DSLR and in my mind will feel more comfortable because I will already have a general knowledge of what the settings do, etc."

Sounds like a plan.

My wife did the same, shot for a couple years with P&S (Nikon P5100). Even though there was a couple of dSLRs for her to use, she did so when she felt she was ready. Then I bought her the D5000 which fits into her hand perfectly. Sometimes I forget that my background in photography goes back for decades. So it was natural for me to go into SLR when available. Of course I had a whole slew of nikon glass that I relish and still use.

[james0803]

I was actually looking at the D5000 when I decided to just go with the G11 for the time being. Thanks for your replies and I am sure I will chat with you again on here as I plan to be a lot more active on DPS. Learning quite a bit from the tutorials as well as other peoples critiques, etc. Have a great week.