First. Ever. C&C please!

GrantH · Dec 17, 2010

Alright guys, I just got my T1i and have been toying with taking pictures of my dogs and i found one I really like. Its a picture taken with a 1/15 shutter speed, F/4.5 and ISO1600 in the living room with only overhead lighting. It was taken with a 18-55IS "kit" lens.

What is good/bad/right/wrong, and what could be done in PP to make it better? think it's a decent photo for my first day with the camera in Manual mode. Hopefully. Thanks!

PS: Don't mind the text in the upper corner, I realize it is not really "acceptable" but wanted it on there for S&G if nothing else.

Higgs Boson · Dec 17, 2010

It's too close for my tastes (composition) and it looks like you focused on the back eye instead of the front (technique). The power cord or whatever that is in the background is distracting (composition). It makes me wonder what it goes to more than about the dog subject. Otherwise, it's not a bad photo. Maybe it could be sharpened some.

Did you shoot RAW or jpeg?

bazooka · Dec 17, 2010

Although PP could help you out here, I'd not worry about it now. Worry more about getting the shot as good as possible first.

I'd recommend getting rid of the signature as it is a distraction to critique (in my opinion). Or perhaps move it to outside of the image.

You did well not clipping the ears, but the composition is very strange to me. Looking down at the dog, which is looking away. His left eye is completely profile which, to me at least, is unattractive. I think this shot will be much more attractive if you get at eye level and have the dogs angle either looking right at you, or slightly off to the side.

The best light is hitting the left side and tungsten is hitting the right... the attraction of the brighter light is on the wrong side.

The background is full of color and angles and lines. When contrasted with the muted duotone of the subject, it demands equal, if not more attention. This is working against you.

I think your DoF is a bit too short for this composition. Had he been looking straight at you, you'd be ok.

Try again, pay attention to the background, make sure either the eyes are on the same plane or you have enough DoF to get them both sharp, work with the light you have available, and shoot at eye level. For this breed with the tall ears, I'd shoot a bit wider, or just try to capture the whole dog. Having the ears take up over a third of the frame is awkward.

Just my opinion...

AprilEye · Dec 17, 2010

Well for starters the pup is cute. I would have liked to have seen a more consistent lighter colored background inasmuch as the dark piece of furniture (or whatever it is) kind of hides the details of his dark ears. If the whole background would have been similar to the floor color, the pup in the picture would have popped out more. But it is a good capture for sure!

John Mc · Dec 17, 2010

Did you use full manual? or have it on Av? and you must have been using a Tripod,cause a 15th of a second would make this blurry. i dont mind watermarks or text in images,but aslong as its tasteful.

The images is okay,its nothing too special,and doesent make me go Wow,but im not a big person for animal portraits unless there really good.or different.try a lower is next time,and use your flash,but dull it down,and use a sheet of paper to difuse the light maybe.

Apart from that,Its a good shot for your first day on manual,but use Av,you'll find it helps,and you dont need to think that hard

GrantH · Dec 17, 2010

Thanks everyone. I wasn't really setting this picture up as much as just fooling with the settings of my brand new camera (which I LOVE) but I will take the critique and run with it and make my pictures better as time goes on. I think I am going to shoot some buildings and such tomorrow, not sure how that is going to go as I am just on day 1 right now!

kundalini · Dec 17, 2010

First. Ever. C&C please!

GrantH said:
I wasn't really setting this picture up as much as just fooling with the settings of my brand new camera (which I LOVE) .....

Please make a decision. Sharing a photo that you like, being excited about a new piece of gear is one thing and asking members to provide consideration to your image is another.

GrantH · Dec 17, 2010

John Mc said:
Did you use full manual? or have it on Av? and you must have been using a Tripod,cause a 15th of a second would make this blurry. i dont mind watermarks or text in images,but aslong as its tasteful.

The images is okay,its nothing too special,and doesent make me go Wow,but im not a big person for animal portraits unless there really good.or different.try a lower is next time,and use your flash,but dull it down,and use a sheet of paper to difuse the light maybe.

Apart from that,Its a good shot for your first day on manual,but use Av,you'll find it helps,and you dont need to think that hard

Yes it was full manual, and no there was no tripod used.

GrantH · Dec 17, 2010

Bagpiper · Dec 17, 2010

In my opinion you be as excited about your gear as you want and ask away with the questions. I would Keep the logo but make it less colourful. Perhaps a shade of grey in the bottom for example but I would keep it. You may as well learn about logos and positioning of such if your going to use one so why not. :thumbup:

Agreed with the comment about getting the dogs face in a different place - or at least the camera in respect to the dog. I would look at the white balance too. There also seems to be a lack of sharpness in the image.

Looking forward to seeing you around. I am learning myself and I have to admit that getting my mind into thinking photography and not snap shot takes time. I am still learning my camera and composition goes out the window.

Good luck and look forward to your building shots.
Cheers
Jim

GrantH · Dec 17, 2010

Higgs Boson said:
It's too close for my tastes (composition) and it looks like you focused on the back eye instead of the front (technique). The power cord or whatever that is in the background is distracting (composition). It makes me wonder what it goes to more than about the dog subject. Otherwise, it's not a bad photo. Maybe it could be sharpened some.

Did you shoot RAW or jpeg?

This was just basic jpg, I haven't studied RAW enough to really know how to use it.