First attempt at still life

[michelle334]

I am starting the A-Z project that was suggested on here a few days back. I started with "A" yesterday and took several pictures of an apple. This was my first real attempt at still life photographs. I would appreciate any feedback that anyone might have for me. Thank you so much!



Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 10.5 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Auto, Fired


This is the first time I've ever posted here, so I hope I've done this correctly.

Although I've been taking pictures for years, I consider myself a beginner as far as photography goes. I'm trying to learn more about composition and more advance techniques other than just point and shoot by reading books and the internet. My camera is a Kodak EasyShare Z812IS.

[digirebelva]

I can see where you are going with this...not bad, but the flash reflection right in the middle of the apple is what my eye keeps going back to, try it without direct flash (bounce it) or mount the camera on a tripod and do without the flash

[michelle334]

I appreciate your suggestions. What exactly do you mean by bouncing the flash?

[pax]

Hi there.Not pretending to know it all,But try taking the pic from the top of the apple,with the core/stem in the center? Just from a different view instead of side on.Good idea with the A-Z theme,Think i'm gonna give it a try as well..

[michelle334]

I actually did take some pictures from the top angle, but they didn't seem to turn out as well. I had trouble getting them focused. I'll keep working on it though. Thank you for the suggestions!

[howland.david]

i really like the sharp detail present around the stem.

you could also try to use some other source of light that would be less harsh (like a lamp or some other "warmer" source of light)

[michelle334]

Thank you, David. Do you mean turn the flash off and then just have a lamp close by shining on the apple and then open up the aperture on the camera? (Is that the right term?)

[flavio]

The apple (and honey) is a symbol for a sweet and happy new year!
Thanks for sharing your apple. Quite a nice one, though.
Picking up where Pax left, here is one apple I shot for this holiday season:

An apple a day... on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Best wishes to all and everyone!

[digirebelva]

Originally Posted by michelle334

I appreciate your suggestions. What exactly do you mean by bouncing the flash?

Well I guess I should ask first if you are using the built-in flash or a hotshoe flash. If you only have the built-in flash then you are really not going to be able to "bounce" it off of the ceiling. If so then the earlier comment about using a different light source would be better.

[michelle334]

I have a built-in flash. I don't know what a hotshoe flash is. Sorry, I really am still a beginner. So then I assume I should not use an overhead light, but instead put a lamp nearby to the side of the apple, then open the aperture wider as necessary to let enough light in for proper exposure. Is this correct?