a few photos from the general areas i like (problem in my camera too)

[DiskoJoe]

Your point an click is just using an aperture and exposure that the camera thinks is correct according the the lighting conditions. the photos probably look faded due to it being to bright outside. you would want to either low the exposure some of possibly check the white balance settings to see if they are a good fit for outdoor use in sunlight.

 

[zeealex]

thank you for your advice DiskoJoe it's much appreciated

 

[bazooka]

It looks like your lens may have fogged up which is causing the loss of contrast. This will happen when you move from cold air to warm air, just like glasses.

 

[zeealex]

intriguing, i'll remember to carry a cloth to wipe the lens then, or do you mean inside of the lens?

 

[bazooka]

If it's a Point-and-shoot, probably just the externally exposed glass, unless it has some real sealing issues, which I doubt. You can just look at the lens and see if it's visibly cloudy when you get a shot like this. Also, it could be glare from the sun. Maybe next time you see it, shield the lens with your hand so direct light is not hitting it.

 

[Stradawhovious]

in response to number 7, are we looking at something more like this:

yes i know, it's noisy, you'll find it's the norm, not sure how to solve it, post processing does nothing spectacular.

Better...........

But still rather Snapshot-ish in my ever so humble opinion......

My advice, would be to Buy/Borrow/Steal two books by Bryan Peterson. First is "Understanding Exposure" which will help you understand the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO. These principles are more easily transferred to the use of a DSLR, but the concept will help with a P&S too. The second is "Learning to See Creatively". This will help you eliminate the "snapshot" look with better composition.

You should be able to find both at your local library or book store. I got mine used, $6 each. Probably the best $12 I spent when I started out.

 

[zeealex]

sorry bit clueless when it comes to vocab, but snap shot-ish? what does that mean/imply.

i've been told by people i have "the eye" (the above image certainly isn't my best photo) but i'm sure this Bryan Peterson man can really help me out, thank you for the book suggestions i'll see if i can get it in the UK

 

[MattK0138]

Snap shot means you pull out you pull out your camera and just snap a picture. No thought or composition just a quick picture to keep a memory.

 

[MattK0138]

Sorry for the double type darn phone

 

[zeealex]

no worries, thanks for explaining

 

[ulrichsd]

in response to number 7, are we looking at something more like this:

yes i know, it's noisy, you'll find it's the norm, not sure how to solve it, post processing does nothing spectacular.

Timing and light. If this was taken with a nice sunrise/sunsest or bluer sky and brighter water... it would be a different and more pleasing image.