Manual- Am I Almost There Guys?!?

[jodiwalden]

Hey DPS folks...
I am a college student and I haven't taken ANY photography courses yet but I have "the eye". Auto used to be my go to setting because it was quick and easy. I found out that manual is pretty amazing!! I've been working in manual and learning (on my own) how to get all of the colors/contrast right. How am I doing? Am I anywhere close to where I need to be? Any critiques are welcome! I am open to learn more!!



Exif Data:
Nikon D90
Exposure: 1/400
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 400

[FlyingKiwiGirl]

Well I'm new to this too but I wish I had your eye, you've done well. I like it but the thing that jumps out at my non-expert eye is her left hand shoulder, it looks a little deformed. Perhaps she should have had her arm more relaxed and forward so it wasn't so obvious. Well done, I wish I had taken up photography at your age.

[jodiwalden]

Originally Posted by FlyingKiwiGirl

Well I'm new to this too but I wish I had your eye, you've done well. I like it but the thing that jumps out at my non-expert eye is her left hand shoulder, it looks a little deformed. Perhaps she should have had her arm more relaxed and forward so it wasn't so obvious. Well done, I wish I had taken up photography at your age.

You know, right after I posted this thread I said to myself "Wow, she has a nub for an arm."
Thanks for the advice

[Mark Engelhart]

The intent of leaning her up against the wall and using a low f-stop is to create a leading line from out of focus into focus at her face. You are so close to the wall that you have lost those lines and the brick are all out of focus to her face. If you would have stood off the wall a little more it would have given you more of the wall and the impact of the leading lines and DoF.

Also, the arm doesn't seem natural being behind her in this 3/4 pose. I think it would be more natural in front of her. Now if she were profile with her back up against the wall then the arms would come back and her head would turn toward the camera. More and more I find myself not telling them where to put body parts, but tell them the general orientation and let there body naturally decide. The head tilt and angle with the camera is usually what I will adjust.

You have found a great location and it seems that you know what this setting should result in. Now it is just a matter of tweeking to make the image more appealing and polished.

[jodiwalden]

Thanks for your input Mark. Everything that you said makes a whole lot of sense
I am so grateful for others helping me improve my work.

[pwkicker97]

Hey, I'm in your same boat, and haven't taken any classes either. I think it is a really fun shot! I do think you are on the right track. I agree with the comments about the shoulder and wall focus progression. I have a photo similar to this idea and was curious for similar feedback. Thanks!



Exif:
Nikon D90
1/100 @ f / 2.0, ISO 400
35mm (35.0mm f/1.8)

[AdrenoJunkie]

Besides the shoulder thing I would also say the WB is a bit on the cool side. Try warming it up some.

[EOBeav]

I'm not sure many of us on here have taken classes. Both of your subjects are cropped in a weird spot.

----------------
Now playing: Luther Vandross - Love The One You're With
via FoxyTunes

[jodiwalden]

It would be helpful if you could elaborate on that comment about the cropping.

[OnyxSky]

First one is cropped ok but it does seem odd because of her position. The second one the hands are cut off. A general rule of thumb is not to cut right at the joints. Gives the illusion that the fingers, hand, arm, foot, etc. are missing.

If you are going to crop make sure to do so in a mid area. Like middle of the arm instead of at the joint.