First Pictures from My New Camera

[mdith4him]

Hello I'd love to receive some C&C on the below photos. I'm trying to work right now on getting the exposure right and learning how ISO, aperture, and shutter speed all work together. I know these aren't the most interesting subjects you've ever seen and there are probably composition problems, but I'm trying to get good in one area at a time! Otherwise, I'll probably just overwhelm myself and get frustrated, haha! So any advice you have for my exposure would be most appreciated. Anyway, here they are:

Thanks for looking

 

[SoonerBJJ]

Hello I'd love to receive some C&C on the below photos. I'm trying to work right now on getting the exposure right and learning how ISO, aperture, and shutter speed all work together. I know these aren't the most interesting subjects you've ever seen and there are probably composition problems, but I'm trying to get good in one area at a time!

I think that's a really good idea. I've done the same. For months I took pictures of all the usual, mundane stuff with my DSLR. Less concerned about composition, I explored exposure, different types of metering and creative use of over- and underexposure. I explored DOF, selective focus and just plain ol' sharp focus. As I gained a better understanding of exposure I've moved on to study of the Zone System and it's application in my own B&W film photography. Much of my recent work has been more about natural lighting "problems" and interprative exposure.

Once I had a good grasp of the basics I put much more thought into composition. The subjects were often the mundane (read boring) but they were learning exercises and not much more.

I have found this approach to work really well. I understand my cameras, both the DSLR and the film, very well and can take really good snapshots for family occasions, etc. My more recent focus has become fine art B&W and I'm finding that a good grasp of the technical has allowed me to concentrate on the creative.

Sorry for the diversion but I wanted to offer my own affirmation for your approach to photography.

My take on your photos:

#1- I suppose it depends on your intent for the image but I think the exposure is pretty good, if only slightly underexposed. Without knowing the paper's literal "whiteness" it looks a little gray. The sunlit window isn't blown out and you can still see some detail. Depending on your intent that may not be a good thing. Slightly more exposure could brighten the window and wash out the detail while making the paper brighter. Like I said, it depends on your visualization for the image. Of course you can always burn/dodge to your liking in PP or the darkroom.

#2- On my monitor the colors appear flat and the snow is on the gray side. Perhaps expose a tad more? Also appears soft around the eyes. It's hard to tell but it looks like the focus is on the rim of the glasses.

Keep at it.

 

[dxqcanada]

Exposure is good in both.

You were able to keep the highlights from being blown out.

 

[gsgary]

Both shots are soft, first is due to shutter speed, second shot why did you use ISO 400 when your shutter speed was 1/2000 could have been at iso100

 

[digital flower]

#1 would probably been better with a less cluttered background.

 

[SoonerBJJ]

I'm trying to work right now on getting the exposure right...

I know these aren't the most interesting subjects you've ever seen and there are probably composition problems, but I'm trying to get good in one area at a time!

So any advice you have for my exposure would be most appreciated.

In case anyone missed what the OP was asking for.

 

[themedicine]

I honestly feel like your exposure on these two photographs is pretty dead on. It looks just like I would have been there, how I imagine it at least. I would probably lean towards sooner's advice of maybe a bit more exposure.

This is a cool way to learn everything and get familiar with the camera. Smart!

 

[mdith4him]

Thanks for the feedback! I really appreciate it.

In terms of the focus of the photos, is it better to use autofocus or manual? Or does it depend on the situation? I was using AF for both of these.

@gary: Honestly, the reason I was on ISO 400 is a mystery to me, too! I know I should try to use 100 whenever possible. It might have been on auto ISO...? I can't remember. I was trying to get that shot as fast as I could because there were still some flurries coming down and I didn't want snow getting all over my camera! I remember adjusting the aperture and shutter speed, then clicking.


Snow reminds me of another question I have: is it really a good idea to take a camera out into still-falling snow? When I went out it was flurries (not a heavy snow) and I tried to keep the camera covered with my jacket as much as possible. How much wet is okay? Or should any be avoided at all costs?

Thanks again everyone!