What’s Your Preference?

ChristopherCoy · #1 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 02:50 AM

So I took my camera out for the first time today. I was pretty proud of myself that I shot completely in manual and didn't use any "modes." I'm sure that there is ample room for improvement in everything, but take a look at let me know what you think. Everything is pretty much as it came off the camera. The only thing I did is crop, and adjust the brightness/contrast a little. This was the first time I've picked up a camera in a non-point and shoot way in over ten years!

I know if I ask "what do you think" someone is going to tell me to ask a specific question, but seriously, I dont have any specifics. Overall opinions, critiques, advice, tips are welcomed!

mstark70 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 03:02 AM

Hi Christopher! This is the wrong place for critique, however I think you did a great job for your first time thinking things through. Fun wasn't it. I know it can be a bit daunting to be all in manual but so very rewarding as well. You did it! All are good shots but the first one and third one are my favs here. Keep shooting man!

Gulpa · #3 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 03:10 AM

I think you live in a nice place to have taken so many nice photos on your "first day out"!

I'm not a real expert in this and have yet a lot to learn, therefore, all I can do is tell you what would I do differently:

1) In the first photo - I'd change the angle of shooting to point more into the flower from below - that would reduce the shadows and focus into the plant.

2) In the second photo - I would've boosted up the exposure to get a crisper color of the flowers. Alternatively, make another layer of the same image, lighten one up, adjust the curves and then blend together.

3) This one is really nice as it is and I don't think I'd be able to do anything better.

4) Fourth one - I think the flower is a bit out of focus, so perhaps just a little play with the focal length would've done the trick

Overall, they're really nice shots. It's very good that you've started playing with the Manual settings - you will see that the real fun just begun!

ChristopherCoy · #4 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 03:13 AM

It was actually quite fun, and I learned A LOT! Like the second picture for example. The first two shots were 'blown out' because of the way the sun was hitting it. So I underexposed it just a tad and voila! I did adjust a little contrast after transfer, but it was very minimal.

The tree trunk is one of my favorites as well! I have more on my flickr page. I think I took something like 291 shots today... LOL

Vinam · #5 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 03:31 AM

it's an awesome feeling to take a load of shots and having an understanding of exposure solutuions, being able to concentrate on framing and compostion.You did an outstanding job on these images.

Share your shot really isn't the forum for indepth techincal or artistic merit, we tend to share what we've been doing, getting ideas from others and the enjoyment of watching members progress, as Michelle has already said, there are critique my shot forums and you'll get more feedback ... that being said, for full manual .. these are really good

keep shooting !!

Vin

southernbelle · #6 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 03:34 AM

I love that 3rd shot! Great job!

Rian Malynn · #7 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 04:03 AM

Christopher these are awesome! I love the color in the first one and the perspective in the last one. The one of the tree is interesting too. Though I's probably flip it to B&W to see how it looked...but thats my thing...something about trees in B&W...IDK....great job...(oh and thanks again for the title for the bottles...it looks great) Ri

Snowdust · #8 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 04:13 AM

I like the second one. Great job for your first shots.

ChristopherCoy · #9 (**permalink**) 05-19-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rian Malynn

Christopher these are awesome! I love the color in the first one and the perspective in the last one. The one of the tree is interesting too. Though I's probably flip it to B&W to see how it looked...but thats my thing...something about trees in B&W...IDK....great job...(oh and thanks again for the title for the bottles...it looks great) Ri

Someone on another forum played with the tree and flipped it to B&W, and it DID look awesome. I'll have to play with it a little and see what I can come up with.

You went with my suggestion? I didn't even know... LOL