Rust.

[czc]

Hi everyone! This is my first time posting.

What could I have done better with this shot? We were out hiking and this old rusty post caught my eye. It was pretty windy out and I was manually focusing, I can see a little blur in the main post. Other than that I'm happy with it overall. Any CC would be great! Thanks.

1/2500
f/1.8
ISO 100

Shot with my Nikkor 50mm on my D7000.

[veritasimagery]

So, why were you manually focusing?

I think the main issue is the lack of detail on the post, especially since that is the main "character". Crisper focus and maybe more light coming from behind the camera and to camera right would have helped. That would really help the post "pop".

[czc]

I was trying to get the camera to focus in Auto, but it never did hit in the area I wanted. The sun coming from behind I though would have been plenty of light. The only flash I have right now is the on-board flash, I thought that would've been too much. Should I use the flash or just play with the settings more? I was happy with it, but I totally see what you are seeing, now. Hey, it's the only way to learn, right!? Thank You!

[katia]

couldn't you have used a slower shutter speed? 1/2500 is pretty fast.

[czc]

Originally Posted by katia

couldn't you have used a slower shutter speed? 1/2500 is pretty fast.

I tried different settings, but this was the only shot that was in focus. It most likely was because of the wind or my very unsteady hands. Either way, we always are in that spot hiking, so I'm going to try this shot again.

[chrave1]

I am new to photography also but I have learnt one important lesson, if you want to get better shots and improve especially with close up shots or zoomed shots with a telephoto lens you need to get a tripod. It does not need to be an expensive one. This allows you to conscentrate on appeture, shutter speed iso and focus and not lose a shot due to shakey hands. Take your time with the shots especially still life and you will get great shots all the time. I got myself a tripod about a month back and can honestly say I have noticed large improvements already.
If you do a lot of hiking try to get a good lightweight one. Also get to know your camera, it has all the information there infront of you. exposure meter, focus indicators etc
Above all have fun learning.

[veritasimagery]

Not very educated on the Nikon, but you should be able to adjust where you AF point is. On my Canon T3i, I can move the AF point around so that I can have it focus on something off center.

Also, another trick is to use a reflector to re-aim natural light. You can use the cheap reflectors made to keep the sun out of car windshields. Heck even someone wearing a white shirt will reflect light. Unfortunately that means having a second person with you.