How can I improve? Taken today.

[MelissaP]

I took this photo today, and I would like some constructive criticism.

EXIF: Jpg
Type of Camera: Canon Power shot SX130 IS 12X optical 35 MM

What is it that I need to work on? I know I need a DSLR to get better results and I'm working on saving money for one. But with what I have, what are some tips you can give me to work on? Maybe something I might not know about my camera, that you can help me with?

When I was searching for a camera, I wanted a DSLR and I could have gotten one, but my friend talked me out of it and told me I'd be satisfied with this, and yes it is a good camera but not what I was wanting. So since it is the best I have right now, I have to work with it.

[jgbkab]

Composition, focus and hand holding technique for starters. I wish that I would have started learning photography before I got a dSLR. But it's good to practice some of these things first because you will have a lot more to learn even with an entry-level dSLR and kit lens.

Most P&S cameras have some of the same options as a dSLR such as aperture, focal length, etc, but they won't compare to the adjustments on it. I was overwhelmed when I first saw the options on my LCD.

[NewGirl13]

I agree with the post above me. Also, pay attention to your backgrounds. It's distracting to see a house, window and satellite dish when I should be focusing on the baby.

Is the softness of this picture done in some sort of post-processing? For me, it doesn't add much to the picture.

[JFSanders]

Welcome to DPS Melissa! Now that you have started down the path to making photographs instead of blurry snapshots, the real work begins!

Start with the simple basics that all cameras have to have in order to make a photograph. Is the light too harsh on the subject? Yes, looks to be around midday in your photo. Go early in the morning or just before sunset. Or provide shade with a white umbrella. Fill light can be had with a small piece of white board so that the shadows are not dark but dark enough to create three dimensionality.

Was the camera stable? No, looks like you were on your knees or bent over trying to hold the camera still. Won't work. You don't need a tripod (will make life much easier though) but anything soft to set the camera on will work as long as it holds the camera still. Use the self timer function on the shutter release if you have one so that everything has a chance to settle down after you push the button.

What is behind the subject? Is it distracting? Are the colors pleasing or neutral? How does the subject fill the frame? Am I seeing anything growing out of the side of the head? Growth as a photographer takes time, effort, determination, sacrifice and most of all desire. Practice, Practice, PRACTICE! Pixels cost you nothing so shoot until your finger hurts and then put them on the screen and tear them down until you understand the parts that go into creating a photograph. Then you have to print. A physical photograph is a world away from a group of pixels on a screen. And what you see on the monitor is not necessarily what comes out of the printer even if you send it away to be done at the professional print shop. And to top it off the photograph may not conflate with what you saw in your mind! It is a language all it's own and you will not learn it in one day or one month, maybe you can get proficient in a month of Sundays but the masters commit to a lifetime of struggle.

[StacyT]

Everyone covered it!

The dark shadows, due to lighting and time of day, the softness, and the background, also for me, cutting off her arm.......

Props to you for wanting to learn and get better!!