Am I on the right track? CC, please

[chunx]

These are some P&S shots I've liked, but now that my eyes have been pried open a bit I'm wondering what could have been done (or could be done) to improve the photos.
#1-3 were taken with my Kodak Z740 P&S (RIP!) and the last is one of my first DSLR shots.

#1

100_0750 by hugocuenca, on Flickr


#2

100_9029_2 by hugocuenca, on Flickr


#3

100_4967_2 by hugocuenca, on Flickr


#4

DSC_0075_2 by hugocuenca, on Flickr


Thank you!

 

[MrsLittle]

I really like #2. Good job on these.

 

[Kbarredo]

looking good so far

 

[Joey_Ricard]

Nice work and good eye. Did you crop #1 or is that out of camera? Would work better is you had more on each side especially if you were to print and frame.

 

[bazooka]

These are not bad at all! Now I'm certain that P&S is holding you back... I hope you change your mind about the DSLR issue.

#1 Simple, I like simple. The horizon is leaning and it doesn't really tell a story (to me at least) but I think it's a step up from a typical P&S vacation pic.

#2 This is a nice composition. Her foot is dangerously close to the edge of the frame. To me, when appendages touch the edge, it draws attention to the edge itself and I'm reminded that this is a photo and not a window. I try to avoid drawing attention to the edges. The processing is a little strong for me... but acceptable.

#3 This is pretty much a snapshot to me. Leaning horizon, on-camera flash, not much purpose other than documentary...

#4 Light is nice, I like the processing. It's tack sharp. Not bad at all.

 

[chunx]

Bazooka, I just cropped her foot too close to the edge & I noticed that I drew my eye too close to the edge on #2! Thanks for pointing that out. #1, we go to the beach a lot- hence #1&2. My old p&s was always handy- prob got some sand in it, too, which contributed to its death...oh, and I DID pick up a much cheaper DSLR yesterday (used) T2i +2 lenses for 550. So far I'm loving it! I took some practice shots of Mr.Potato heads last night Joey, I did crop #1 to see the kids more- do you think It was too much? Btw, #2 was from an engagement shoot (paid with a Chevy's gift card for 50.00! Ha!)- my friend begged me to- I told her to get a pro bc I didn't want to ruin anything bc I only shoot for fun. Well, the husband lost his job so it was either me or some family member so I did it as a favor (with my little p&s). Very reluctantly.Well, i took engagement & wedding (obviously quality wasn't their main focus because I recommended at least 4 pro photogs to them) and it was a long and hard process. Very time consuming, not only @ the wedding, but especially post processing. I really hurt my shoulder blade bc if my poor ergonomics I couldn't run for a month! #3, that was his first time surfing- your right, it is more of snap shot documentary...I liked the grainy sand on his face and not to mention *huge* smile! All the comments so far have been really helpful, thanks for taking the time to look/reply! Can't wait to take more with my new cam!

 

[bazooka]

I recommend..... paragraphs. Please?

Congrast on the T2i, I figured you could do better than the $600.

You see, #3 has a story behind it that YOU know which makes it a better photograph. WE do not know that story or your son so we can only judge by what's between the edges of the frame. I did not know this shot had ANYTHING to do with surfing. I could tell he was at the beach and he has a wetsuit on. No idea what for. Had you included him proudly holding a surfboard, it would have been a much more "complete" photograph. Something to keep in mind.

 

[cgipson1]

Watch your edges and subject placement.

#1 is too close to the edge also imo! I also think crop that would eliminate the person the right would not be bad... make it just the subject and the ocean!

#2... I like.. watch the edge!

#3 cute.. but needs context... as Bzooka mentioned

#4.. nice shot... good light. Would have preferred it vertical.. less brick, more subject.

 

[chunx]

Totally agree- about the photo & PARAGRAPHS! Sorry- I'm on my phone & i appeared to have paragraphs, but apparently didn't

 

[chunx]

interesting that you think I should crop the girl out of #1...It never occured to me. I actually took it bc I liked the way she was watching her brother. I'll fiddle around with the cropping. Thanks!

 

[bazooka]

Personally, I like the relationship between the two subjects. It makes me wonder about the relationship... is it wonder? Is it protection? Is it jealousy? What accentuates this feeling is that there is little detail in the kids... they are mostly forms but easily identifiable as children. I do agree that they are too tight to the edge of the frame given this particular.... ehh... point of view.

 

[cgipson1]

but just her and the ocean crop.. daydreaming about the "perfect" wave.... and of the sun drenched days of the past? lol!

 

[KmH]

#2 sure is 'crispy', and looks like a plug-in was used on it.

In fact, #2 doesn't look anything like the other 3 photos.

I get the distinct impression #2 was made by a different photographer.

 

[chunx]

Wow- that was a weird comment! Made by another photographer? Haha. I edited these all on iPhoto- and all, except the last were shot with a p&s. Should I take your comment as a compliment? I'm not offended, it made me smile

 

[chunx]

Btw, the other 3 are shots of my kids. #2 was from an engagement shoot (I explained earlier I did it reluctantly & was paid with a cheap gift card!).