First time Posting - don't even know what to ask for

[LawDog2006]

Well I'm new to photography in this light, so with my first DSLR I'd love to hear what people think. I know I'm not supposed to ask for general critique, but I'm so new I don't know what questions to ask about it otherwise. Please don't block me yet Mods.

I was struck by the late afternoon sun on Sunday, (9/11/11) and while having a beer put it down for this picture. I kind of feel it represents a changing season, a goodbye to summer and entry into fall.



EXIF Data
Camera Nikon D5100
Lens 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (kit lens)
Exposure 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture f/3.8
Focal Length 22 mm
Focal Length 21.8 mm
ISO Speed 200
Setting was Aperature Priority

[Hill Country Hack]

Welcome to DPS.

I hope you get as much out of this forum as I have. The best advice I can give you is to read your manual, learn your camera as second nature, find the tutorials section on this forum and start with the basics (exposure, composition for starters) and lurk the posts and absorb the information passed out by the more expierenced. Go out and practice what you read about.

As for your photo. I kind of understand what you were trying to do though it kind of looks like a product shot. Your subject (beer bottle) is too dead center, the side of the house is distracting though I like the repeating shape of the bottle and the tiki light. Could you have waited a bit longer for more condensation to form on the bottle therefore giving the impression of it being hot outside? You clipped off the bottom of your subject.

Keep at it. Read and practice. Read and practice.

[LawDog2006]

Hill Country - I am definitely lurking and trying to learn as much as I can. As for the photo, I definitely hear what you say about the distracting house.

The condensation on the bottle was something I did wait for...for a while anyway. I love Oktoberfest beer and could wait to continue with another drink!

Thank you.

[Hill Country Hack]

Yes, those cold beers tend to just sit there calling your name. Best of luck to you and keep shooting and learning.