Composition in Macro

[PavementPilot]

Here are 3 photos of my Cappuccino from the other day. I am wonder about the composition of the photos. One is just the top of the beverage, and the other two include some cup rim and table. I like the colors of the first one, but there is no reference to anything else. Is there a call for an image like the first one?

 

[lyonsroar]

Can you post the EXIF data? How were these shot?

The focus looks off on 1 & 2 at least, I'm not sure on #3.

I'm experimenting with macro too and the composition is more difficult than I expected it to be TBH.

 

[PavementPilot]

Would the EXIF data be found in the properties of the file?

 

[reznap]

The EXIF is all in the file, just need to look for it. You can see it in the file properties (right click the file, select properties) or you can grab a browser add on to view it on the website. I use "Exif Viewer" for firefox.

So, the OP is using a D3100 with 18-55 lens, at 55mm for all of these shots.
As far as I can tell, he's on auto (Exposure Mode = auto exposure (0)).

I don't know if I'd call these macro, more closeups.. but that doesn't really matter. You asked about composition and I think that's a good thing to be working on. All of these are from a top-down angle and they don't show anything in the scene other than the coffee and a few bubbles. If you intention is to make the drink look good, you should pull back a bit. Maybe either show the whole cup in the center, perfectly top down and the handle sticking off to one side, maybe diagonally... or shoot from a low angle. The flash fired on the last 2, and the hard light didn't really do much to make the drink look appealing. Also, if you're really serious you'll want to wipe down the edges of the cup so it's perfectly clean and not stained with coffee.

If you need some ideas, try a flickr search for whatever it is you're shooting.. odds are it's been done before. Here's a search for 'coffee'
coffee - Flickr: Search

Hope that helps! Don't be afraid to take that sweet camera out of auto mode either, "A" or aperture priority will let you choose the aperture and ISO and will decide the right shutter speed for you, so it's pretty easy and it'll help with learning about exposure.

 

[PavementPilot]

Don't be afraid to take that sweet camera out of auto mode either, "A" or aperture priority will let you choose the aperture and ISO and will decide the right shutter speed for you, so it's pretty easy and it'll help with learning about exposure.

Thanks for the pointers. I guess I need to learn the difference between macro and close ups. I like both. Yesterday was the first day with the camera, so I was just starting out and figured the best was to use auto first. As for the dirty edge of the coffee cup, I was drinking it while reading and learning the camera, so it was not a photo-op setup. I would have used an untasted fresh brewed cup otherwise. I looked up some books on the D3100 at Coles and Chapters, but none are released yet. One is coming out soon. I would like to meet someone local that has experience with teaching someone of my level of photography for coffee/lesson meetings. There is a course here at the college, but not unitl the last week of Jan.

BTW I found an exif reader for Chrome. Thanks for the tip.

 

[reznap]

I looked up some books on the D3100 at Coles and Chapters, but none are released yet.

You don't need that... all you need is your manual and something to help you understand the exposure triangle. Many people recommend "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. It's a pretty good read with a lot of picture examples.

I understand that you were drinking the coffee and the photos were a little spur of the moment, but that's makes a snapshot - the idea is to put more effort and thought into it and create something special (see that flickr link).

As for courses and stuff, I don't think it's really necessary unless you want to get into fine art photography or photojournalism. I mean, if you want to pay a college for lessons, go right ahead.. but you can get a wealth of information online for free. Keep posting stuff here (and on other forums too, why not?) and soak up the critique - just don't take harsh criticism personally and try not to get offended. I have personally learned a LOT in the last year and while I might not be gifted with a camera, I've come a long way without paying for photography lessons.

 

[flyingember]

the first one is interesting simply because it's close and there's an air of mystery. I'd crop out the cup, though. next time you might try adding texture, like froth

the next two are blurry and kind of boring

I guess I need to learn the difference between macro and close ups.

macro is a type of closeup photography

 

[AprilEye]

Can I chime in? This is a close up not a macro...however, if it is viewed in full size, it looks pretty darn close.

 

[PavementPilot]

You don't need that... all you need is your manual and something to help you understand the exposure triangle. Many people recommend "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. It's a pretty good read with a lot of picture examples.

I looked it up at my library here, and they have some copies. I'm second in line for a request. Thanks again for some great info.

 

[lyonsroar]

Would the EXIF data be found in the properties of the file?

Sure, but some people are one restricted computers and can't get to the properties.


Anyways, I think everyone else has covered the rest.

 

[Edsport]

In case you don't know this, you can see the exif data by downloading the photo to your PC then use this to check the exif. Jeffrey's Exif viewer

 

[lyonsroar]

In case you don't know this, you can see the exif data by downloading the photo to your PC then use this to check the exif. Jeffrey's Exif viewer

Or you can download them, open in Microsoft picture manager, right click, properties, camera properties, there they are.