...by the lake...

[jax314]

Thoughts on composition, lighting, WB......anything else that could help.......thanks!!
Is it underexposed?


Camera Nikon D5000
Exposure 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture f/4.5
Focal Length 55 mm
ISO Speed 220

[MrJones]

nice photo but it is underexposed.
also, see if you can take out the thing floating in the water to her left. it's a bit distracting.
other than that - great photo!

[jax314]

I wonder why this would have been underexposed...I used spot metering....

This is something i need to learn...any ideas?

[kristenh]

Jaxon, i have the same camera and i have read that it tends to underexpose. that's been my experience as well. i just last night read a comment from another reader about "exposing to the right" if you google that, it is a very interesting read. i tried it yesterday afternoon and was impressed at the change in my results.

the thread on these boards is under people critique- it's called something like critique my photo and convince me on the merits of pping.

[samu2]

Yes, underexposed.

I would also personally warm it up a little as well

[carlyfan]

This is a beautiful picture! It may not be technically perfect, but I love how you've captured her innocence! She is such a pretty girl, and it's such a sweet and natural looking pose. I say, good job!

[Vagebond]

Regarding spot-metered and underexposed, you might find this post by Kencaleno about the zone system interesting.

[jax314]

Thanks everyone, for the comments and the suggestions. I am trying to research the different concepts that have been presented here....

I was just wondering if anyone could offer a quick explanation why it is underexposed if I spot-metered for her face.....unless the camera itself has a tendancy to underexpose as someone has said. Other than that, is there any other possible reason for ths someone could put in terms for someone like me to understand. Yes, I know I need to read and research myself, but just somethign to get mestarted...

Thanks!!

[MrJones]

Originally Posted by jax314

Thanks everyone, for the comments and the suggestions. I am trying to research the different concepts that have been presented here....

I was just wondering if anyone could offer a quick explanation why it is underexposed if I spot-metered for her face.....unless the camera itself has a tendancy to underexpose as someone has said. Other than that, is there any other possible reason for ths someone could put in terms for someone like me to understand. Yes, I know I need to read and research myself, but just somethign to get mestarted...

Thanks!!

in order to help you here, we need to know how you took it.
which mode did you use on your camera?
cause if you used manual mode - it's not the camera's fault

[jax314]

I was in Aperture mode using spot metering.