Green Lantern

JAMPhotos · Nov 3, 2011

I am completely new to my DSLR (have had it a week now

) and new to photography that doesnt include FB "Hey this is me!" restroom mirror shots.

haha. Here are a couple shots I took of my Green Lantern in action. Please excuse the chocolate mustache and flipflops.

Some edited, some not. Please C&C..

{1}

{2}

{3} I was going for a "comic book super hero" type of feel

{4}

{5}

Thanks in advance.

Geaux · Nov 4, 2011

#3 is by far the strongest shot of the bunch, but the choco mouth sort of kills it lol.

tirediron · Nov 4, 2011

C&C per req:

First off, take care of the small things in advance. If you know that there's an issue (chocolate milk) deal with it in advance. Preparation in photography is key. Next, spend some more time reading your camera's manual and become more conversant with settings and features. While shooting in 'Auto' is a valid way to learn, one thing that should NEVER be in auto is your ISO. Look at the noise in #5; this comes of shooting at ISO 2500. This close, with a flash, it was clearly unnecessary.

1. Watch how you hold your camera; try and keep it level and square. Notice how the lines formed by the sidewalk and walls are all at odd angles? Also, Try and avoid putting the subject squarely in the middle of the frame; a bit off to one side or the other usually looks better (search the term "Rule of thirds").

2. Whether by accident or design, you've made good use of the expansion joint in the sidewalk to create a leading line, directing the eye to the subject. Unfortunately, 'up the nose' shots are rarely attractive on anyone and the stairs image right are a bit of a distraction.

3. Again, squarely in the middle, and too-high ISO resulting in noise.

4. A bit of an odd green cast here, caused in part by under-exposure and in part by incorrect white balance. Be careful when shooting subjects with bright areas behind them. That can throw off your metering and cause WB issues.

5. A very awkward crop here; it is okay to crop limbs, but do it boldly, never near a joint and never, ever laterally!

Overall, they're a good start. Spend some time reading your camera's manual and reading up on composition. This 'site has some excellent tutorials on how your camera works, and how to better understand some of the technical aspects of digital photography.

Just my $00.02 worth - your mileage may vary.

~John