Do i have potential?

xSLZx · Feb 8, 2011

Let me have it!

These are my very first pictures. Using my NikonD3000.
I am NEW to photography and everything about it. I'm learning slowly through forums like this one and youtube video's. I've come to love froknowsphoto.com.

Thanks for the feedback, good or bad! (This is just me shooting in auto, since i'm still unsure of what i'm doing!) LOL. Slowly learning!!

Geaux · Feb 8, 2011

Firstly, I'd remove the date imprint on your images, not very fashionable

Second, Take it off Auto, you won't learn anything by leaving it on Auto. I have the same camera and know it's capable of decent-very good pictures, I shoot on Aperture mode 80% of the time and switch to manual when I don't like the way some things are coming out lol.

Composition wise, they're kinda snapshotish (mommy/daddy goggles lol). Some extreme angles on the shots of your daughter, looks like she's going to slide off the frame lol. Also, avoid shooting during direct sunlight days to cut down on shadowing etc. Golden hour (the hour before sundown or hour after sunrise) is the most flattering sunlight to shoot in.

xSLZx · Feb 8, 2011

Oh yes! I have taken off the date since! I was so used to point and shoot with dates. But after i saw the pics, i realized it needed to go.

Thanks for the tips! I will keep them noted!

tirediron · Feb 8, 2011

Everyone has potential. The real question is: "Do you have the desire?" Do you have the desire to read and learn, to post your images, take a kick in the gut from the critique, learn, and then do it all over? I think you're off to a good start and agree with the points Geaux noted.

StarPath · Feb 8, 2011

I agree with both Tired and Geaux. If you have the motivation the potential is always there. Your motivation is all your own but if you're looking to go pro the best advice I can give is read everything you can get your hands on and shoot manual in all light types. Professional photography is not a largely profitable business for 99.99% so you got to love it for personal reasons. Find good subjects and things will fall into place.

ChadHillPhoto · Feb 8, 2011

Potential is all about desire. If you got the desire and heart for it....you got it.
The images look good, how good you become is entirely up to you!

Cheers!

kundalini · Feb 8, 2011

but if you're looking to go pro the best advice ....

Don't get caught up in the Go Pro notion, at least not yet. Many people are excellent photographers that have no desire other than to take this as a hobby. Enjoy and get better than your facebook friends.

OrionsByte · Feb 8, 2011

The fourth one (with her squatting against the fence) is the best one in my opinion. The fence provides a little bit of reflected fill light to combat the harsh sun. You also didn't cut off her feet, which a lot of new photographers (and experienced ones from time-to-time!) tend to do on this kind of shot.

Next time, get down on her level instead of shooting down on her (you did this very well with the close-up of your dog). I agree with Geaux that you need to get out of Auto, but you can refer back to these as you start to learn about how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO all affect an image; you should be able to look back at the settings the camera chose and understand exactly what effect those settings had on the final product.

Good luck, and have fun!

PPhanatic · Feb 8, 2011

If you want to learn, there are tons of places to get tips. Just like this one. Good Luck. I think if you are willing to ask the questions and practice, you can do anything.

subscuck · Feb 8, 2011

Google "exposure triangle". Read it and understand it, and it will get you out of auto in a hurry. I'd actually have camera in hand while I'm reading, and would be playing with the settings and shooting as I take in the info. I'd also suggest a beginner's book like the oft recommended "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. Scott Kelby's books are very good as well.

I can't add anything new to what's already been said about your pics, except #3 shows a good use of shallow DOF, but the dog looks stoned. I'm guessing he/she was looking into the sun. Or he/she was stoned. All of them would benefit with a little PPing, but that's something to learn after you get a good handle on good focus, proper exposure, etc.

PPhanatic · Feb 8, 2011

"exposure triangle"
This is a really good thing to do. I am reading some of this now and the metaphors I am seeing are very helpful. Good tip

Trever1t · Feb 8, 2011

Potential? Absolutley. I'll go a bit further and say your pics are even pleasant (except for the tilt in one and the cap) Read, study, practice!

Ginu · Feb 8, 2011

Anyone has potential, just takes time and reading is key when it comes to DSLR's. I got my D90 over two years ago and I'm still reading different techniques.

Also I do believe photography is an art and what some people will not be satisfied by your pictures however my suggestion is to read as much as possible and read others critiques, suggestions and dont be shy to post pictures and ask for advice.

Also as a few have already mentioned don't shoot in Auto mode... I suggest at least shooting in P mode and learning how to shoot in A and M modes etc...
It always amusing to see tourists taking pictures of landscapes, buildings etc. and having the flash pops up in mid day...

Derrel · Feb 8, 2011

Photography is a lifetime pastime. No need to worry about learning it all at once, since there is so,so much to learn. Enjoy your new camera, and keep on working at improving your knowledge of the art, the science, and the craft aspects of photography.

As an aside, I'm impressed by the quality of replies by seven different TPF stalwarts--good replies people! Courteous, thoughtful, and to the point.