First time DSLR user with D5100 - C&C please

Scarlet Siren · Jul 10, 2011

Hi, this is my first C&C post.

I've been an observer of photography for a very long time and have only just started taking photographs as a hobby very recently. The D5100 with kit lens is my first DSLR and I'm still getting used to it and have a long way to go in terms of understanding how to use it properly.

Here's some test shots I took last weekend

FYI, I used lightroom for some light editing.

20110702-DSC_0081.jpg by Superfly Sister, on Flickr

20110703-DSC_0243.jpg by Superfly Sister, on Flickr

20110703-DSC_0228.jpg by Superfly Sister, on Flickr

20110703-DSC_0255.jpg by Superfly Sister, on Flickr

Raian-san · Jul 10, 2011

Are you sure this is the first time you ever shoot with a DSLR? You sure start off well. Exposure and lighting looks fine.

Scarlet Siren · Jul 10, 2011

Raian-san said:
Are you sure this is the first time you ever shoot with a DSLR? You sure start off well. Exposure and lighting looks fine.

Yes, absolutely sure! Thank you for replying.

I joined this forum in November when I started researching models to buy. At the same time, I made a point of trying to learn despite not physically owning a camera (other than a point and shoot). I've been watching lots of YT videos, reading a lot of books and magazines and of course, I've been lurking around forums. It's nice to finally put some of the info in to practice.

I tried to shoot manual too.

Derrel · Jul 10, 2011

For a newcomer, you're doing alright! Keep at it!

Scarlet Siren · Jul 10, 2011

Thanks Derrel.

Re the third picture, it might be my eyes or screen but I wish the skin tone wasn't so orange.

Re the fourth picture, I would have liked it more of the two guys' feet weren't cut off. Grr!

Does anyone agree? Anymore feedback?

patrick0294 · Jul 10, 2011

Mayve its just me on my ipod, but i believe the DOF in #1 is too much (i think the proper term would be too shallow? Someone help me out im new lol). otherwise there good pictures minus the cut off legs like you said.

Scarlet Siren · Jul 10, 2011

patrick0294 said:
Mayve its just me on my ipod, but i believe the DOF in #1 is too much (i think the proper term would be too shallow? Someone help me out im new lol). otherwise there good pictures minus the cut off legs like you said.

Noted. Thanks for that. I was making a point of playing with the aperture with that photo tbh. Since I've been reading all about it I wanted to see how it worked and how I could control it.