A few recent shots

[rub]

I am completely new to photography, and after buying my D80, and reading a few books and websites, I am feeling a bit more comfortable. For the past few weeks I have tried shooting in manual mode, after finally figuring out a) what my light meter is, and b) how to meter. I know, I know -- Lame! Now to try get all these little bits of information into the same exposure...

C&C is greatly appreciated. Thanks for looking.

1) One out a series from a softbal game.

2) Camping on the weekend

3) Poor composition, but I think the lighting and exposure work.

4) Again, composition leaves something to be desired...

5)

6)

7) I just had to post this one, as in the reflection is the sunglasses, you can see the 20 or so people who were watching him. I thought it was a nice capture, I just wish it was executed better.

8)

 

[RebelChick]

i love the one of the quad in the mud, and the little boy, numbers 3 and 5 look like snap shots really.. nothing too special.. But I really like number 6!

 

[rub]

Thanks RebelChick. 3 & 5 really are snapshots, but I figured I would throw them in anyways.

 

[JCphoto]

I don't think they're snap shots at all. Clearly a defined and interesting subject to me. I don't think composition is everything. number 5 is a great example of "catching the moment" which to me is the heart of photography. number 3 is an excellent portrait aside from the foot being cut off, very nice background, though it could be a bit more out of focus. If I chose 2 favorites it would be 2 and 5.

Manual mode is definitely the way to go. I think the easiest way to meter, (or at least the way i usually do it) is to go to the flashing blowouts screen where it tells you when its too bright or dark by flashing the opposite colour, choose your desired aperture or shutter speed and then adjust the other until you are one stop under having blinking lights. But obviously if you are exposing for a particular object you may have to blow out some highlights or shadows. Hope that made a bit of sense.

JC

 

[rub]

Thanks JC. I will try that method out. I have just finished reading "Understanding Exposure" and have been testing out the "Sky Brothers" for my meter readings, but your method sounds both easy and practical.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Anyone else?