First post from a noob

[Officer196]

Hi ya'll, after reading the many forums and tips here I felt this would be a good place to learn and connect with some other people. A little about me, I love photography but just moved from a P and S to a DSLR and am now actually trying to take more than vacation and gathering type photos. This was one of my first attempts and doing some city shooting and editting and I was would love some contructive critisism. All tips are welcome. Thanks in advance for all that look. I should also add that these were my first time really venturing out of automatic modes on my camera so if you wonder about some of the settings, I appologive im still learning how to adjust for certain shots.


Shot with canon 1000d 1/160 f3.5 iso800

[zona5101]

Hi and welcome!
Cool shot and a good example where selective coloring is effective and well played (imho).
I like how dark it is but still has detail in the shadow. I might want to see it straightened but the cocked framing maybe intentional to make it feel less conforming. Nice.

[BigFuzzy]

I'm curious about this image..
What I'd like to know is how you went about shooting this?

By that I mean did you see this scene and think "I'll shoot it and make it selective coloring"
Or
"cool scene" snap and then later, "hmmm, maybe selective coloring will make it more interesting"..

Neither one is good or bad, I'm just curious as to how you're thinking.

One thing I would say is that, even if intentional, I'm not a fan of the tilted horizon, I'm not sure it helps me at all in this case.

Either way, welcome to the world of DPS and of trying to take better photos.. I promise you'll learn a thing or two hanging out here!

[Krusty79]

Welcome to DPS. When you post an image for a critique, you're supposed to post your exif data and ask for feedback on specific aspects of your shot.

First of all, I don't like the uneven horizon, especially in landscape shots. The building and alley are too dark for my taste, as I'd like to see some more detail. Which brings me to the question Big Fuzzy had about what you wanted to show in this shot. Why would you selectively color a sign about jazz, but show an empty alley devoid of people? What are you trying to convey to the viewer?

I'm also curious why you used f/3.5 and ISO 800? Because you didn't have a tripod? Most lenses are sharpest around f/8 and you'll get more DOF. You could have also used ISO 100 if you had a tripod.

[Officer196]

Zona- Thanks for the compliment and for taking a look. Lol I would love to say that the cocked framing was intentional but in reality its becuase it order to frame this shot with the details I wanted I had to kneel down and put my back up against a wall which cause me to hold the camera a little tilted but I like it.

BigFuzzy- Thanks for posting a comment. I actually noticed this shot and loved it and to make it just B&W but while editting it I hated the fact that it took away from the neon sign. Ive always wanted to try selective coloring and had never attempted it, but thought if I pulled it off I would really get what I wanted from this picture. So this is what I got for my first attempt. The tilted horizion was not intentional but has grown on me, however im going to go back and try to even it out because I would like to see a different angle. Thanks for the welcome and Ive learned quite a bit in the short time Ive been here and am looking forward to what else it to come.

[Officer196]

Krusty- Thanks for the reply. As far as the selective coloring as my previous post, that didnt really hit me till editting when I really wanted to make the sign pop out. As far as convayence I just like the look of an empty alley with what looked to be a run down club in it. In regard to the settings no didnt bring my tripod as far as my settings Im still working on learning how to dial them in. I actually didnt know about f8 being the sharpest and in the future Ill try that. Thanks very much for the c&c it is truly appreciated.

[wsbII]

Nice shot. I agree that the uneven horizon makes things feel a bit off, but the exposure seems spot on since the light is not over exposed and the shadows aren't too dark. Selective coloring is a personal preference and if you like it then that's all that matters.
Thanks for sharing!
Bill

[Officer196]

Bill- Thanks for taking the time to comment, its appreciated.

[Krusty79]

Originally Posted by Officer196

Krusty- Thanks for the reply. As far as the selective coloring as my previous post, that didnt really hit me till editting when I really wanted to make the sign pop out. As far as convayence I just like the look of an empty alley with what looked to be a run down club in it. In regard to the settings no didnt bring my tripod as far as my settings Im still working on learning how to dial them in. I actually didnt know about f8 being the sharpest and in the future Ill try that. Thanks very much for the c&c it is truly appreciated.

Also, shooting at ISO 100 will give you better performance than shooting at ISO 800. Another reason to bring a tripod!

Know your gear- Digital Camera Basics.

[Officer196]

Krusty- Very true and a lesson learned, Ill always make sure to bring my tripod. Good advise thanks for the follow up comments and advise.