Do I have any potential?

Dianamarie1013 · May 7, 2014

I've always loved taking photos of my boys and friends. Never anything serious..but Ive had some friends reach out willing to pay for my photos. I would love the practice..but I don't want to start anything that Im not ready for. Ive seen the other photos here and know Im out of my league. .but I would love some insight of what Im doing wrong..or hopefully even right. Thanks in advance for taking the time to help me.

IronMaskDuval · May 7, 2014

Interesting how you choose your subjects as anything but the humans in the photos. I think your composition is beyond average, and you have some potential.

Light Guru · May 7, 2014

Focus is off on all of them. When it comes to photographing people you need to focus on the eyes.

binga63 · May 7, 2014

Ahhh the joy of asking a group of strangers if you have potential... the short answer is yes...... but we all have potential.... it is whether you get off your butt and improve will your potential be reached.....the real world is not the place for hugs and cuddles. Start off by posting your work and asking for a critique, and then work on the solutions or problems pointed out, this is what this forum is great for doing . My pics have improved, partially due to the comments supplied here.

TamiAz · May 7, 2014

Your first shot is really cute.. Of course you have potential. You need to decide how much work you want to put in to learning.
Your progress will depend on your willingness to learn and practice what you've learned. I started 2.5 years ago with my first DSLR
and I've put a lot of hours reading, taking workshops and just shooting and I've made some great progress, but I've still have a ton to learn. You picked a great forum to hang out in. Lots of talented photographers who are willing to share their knowledge. They can be a little rough around the edges some times, but they're a good group. You need to grow a thick skin, post pictures for critique, take the critique info and apply what you learn, and you'll see some growth. Good luck!!

Dianamarie1013 · May 7, 2014

Thank you everyone! I've realized I get caught up and forget to change my focus points. I'm constantly reading and trying to get more practice, I feel like it's so hard with children because they are constantly moving. What about these ones I've attached here. Is my focus still not right? I cant figure out if I like the second photo or not. I love the close up..but the blurriness of the swing catches my eye. Thank you again..I need all the criticism I can get to be better! I appreciate it.

Derrel · May 7, 2014

Focus is good on the first one, but you missed the eyes on the close-in shot, and have just a little patch of his hair in focus.

Based on the first seven frames, I would say that yuo need to watch the backgrounds much more carefully and critically. Like the boy on the swing in the original set; he has a plant "sprouting" out of the top of his head; the mother kissing her daughter also has a fencepost that's kind of interfering with her, and there are some clipped off fingers from some third person in the frame at the edge; what you are doing okay on is decent lighting and decent exposure control, for the most part. I think if you practice and work on technique, you WILL definitely get better. And better. And better.

One bit of advice I will give you: f/4.5 is your friend. I know that f/4.8 is crushing on you, and WANTS to be in your life. And f/5.6 ought to become your BFF.