First time ever doing a "photoshoot" - Friend's PC

[Intervention302]

Hello guys,

So I recently got into photography and purchased a Nikon D60 used about 5 days ago. Anyways, my main passion is automotive photography, but since its a whopping 5f out right now, I'm not really feeling anything outdoors.

So one of my good friends asked if I could attempt to photograph his computer case that he just custom built. I told him to keep his expectations on the lower end of the scale.

Overall I am happy how they came out. I definitely learned a thing or two during it.

1. I really need my tripod to arrive
2. I should shoot at a slower pace. Check each picture to make sure the exposure and focus is correct. Easier to do it on the camera than in LR5 (shooting in RAW)
3. Still need to fool around with different ISO, Aperture, and shutter speeds to best suit my environment
4. Somehow turn on a gridline to help aid straightness
5. Get my creative part of my brain working to help come up with captivating angles and captures

Anyways, here's the pics. A few didn't come out the way I wanted. But, like I said I'm overall happy for it being my first real attempt

1.



2.



3.



4. - Not totally in focus



5.




6.




7.



8.




9.



10.

 

[Intervention302]

11.



12. - Darkened on purpose from owner's request



13.



Any comments or constructive criticism is appreciated.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[Austin Greene]

First, welcome to the forums!

Second, I'm going to be harsh here, but only because it will benefit you in the long run.

1. Don't post more than 2 images if you are wanting meaningful critique. Folks here put a lot of energy and time into their critiques, try not to abuse it.
2. If you picked up your camera five days ago, you might "like" automotive photography, but I'd caution you to keep exploring new avenues. Saying one thing is your "main passion" so early on can really be detrimental.
3. Many of these images are the same photo. It isn't an interesting subject whatsoever, at least not the way it's presented.
4. Just a note, but IMO weather should never be an excuse to get out and shoot, short of life-threatening conditions or those that involve serious personal injury. If you want to take truly great images, you need to get out there. Explore. Experiment.
5. Read up on exposure and lighting techniques. It will help you present even mediocre subjects in a more interesting light. It will also give you a framework to improve on in concert with your obvious interest in DOF.

Keep shooting, and keep posting, just post fewer images. Tell us what you wanted to communicate with your images. If you didn't mean to communicate anything with a photo, it probably isn't worth taking.

P.S: Telling us what settings and lenses you used is always helpful if you want in-depth critique.

 

[Intervention302]

I appreciate the honesty.

Next time I'll post fewer shots. Makes prefect sense.

The PC owner wanted multiple shots of similar things. Point well taken though

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[LShooter]

I think the lighting works for this type of photography. No distracting reflections, etc. Not the most exciting photos, but they reflect what they are suppose to reflect.

 

[striving4mediocrity]

I like 10 and 13 the most. I can see bedsheets in the background of some and I think it looks pretty amateurish. If you placed the computer much further in front of your background and shot with a low aperture, the bokeh would look much nicer IMO. Still, I bet your friend likes them! Good luck in the future.

 

[Derrel]

5,6,7,10,13. This is NOT an "easy subject", like a sexy car, or a pretty girl. Making wires and cables and boards look good takes a LOT of skill.

 

[Boutte]

There is a lot to be learned from this photo series. Depth of field, composition and processing. For instance in number 11 by adjusting the f stop you can completely change this picture without changing the composition.

 

[Intervention302]

I think the lighting works for this type of photography. No distracting reflections, etc. Not the most exciting photos, but they reflect what they are suppose to reflect.

I agree. Its not meant to be pretty landscape photography. But, can totally understand somebody thinking that these pics are boring

I like 10 and 13 the most. I can see bedsheets in the background of some and I think it looks pretty amateurish. If you placed the computer much further in front of your background and shot with a low aperture, the bokeh would look much nicer IMO. Still, I bet your friend likes them! Good luck in the future.

Totally agree. He said he actually liked that effect. However it is quite messy to say. He is my coworker and we set it up at 2am so it was rushed.

5,6,7,10,13. This is NOT an "easy subject", like a sexy car, or a pretty girl. Making wires and cables and boards look good takes a LOT of skill.

I appreciate that... I don't have that skill set yet. But that's why I'm here. To learn

There is a lot to be learned from this photo series. Depth of field, composition and processing. For instance in number 11 by adjusting the f stop you can completely change this picture without changing the composition.

Any other examples?

I can't be the only one interested

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[Boutte]

Anyways, here's the pics. A few didn't come out the way I wanted. But, like I said I'm overall happy for it being my first real attempt

Which ones didn't come out like you wanted and what were you hoping for?