Ideas on how to make my photo's better

[PatrickWTF]

Hello, I am a fairly new photographer that enjoyed shooting with point and shoots for quite a long time. On boxing day 2010, I saw a great deal on a Canon T1i package which included the lens and a couple of accessories. I now how three lens all together. The Kit 18-55mm, 50mm 1.8, and the 70-300mm 4-5.6. I am now trying to get better with my shooting. Here are some of my better pictures.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Criticism would be great!

 

[Compaq]

1.
I don't understand this picture. What's the point
with it, the meaning, so to speak. Just a snapshot,
not a photograph.


2. Good that subject isn't centered, but the white
is blown. Also, not really in focus. I also don't
really like the shadow casted, which seems pretty long,
was this shot at low sun? I also think you should
either have lowered the horizon (end of field) or
raised it. Perhaps cropped it away. The right part
of the image is wasted space, perhaps crop to portrait
orientation.


3.
The best of the bunch, in my opinion. BOKEHlicious!
Good focus. Composition is fairly decent, though a little
centered. A little low on contrast as well, it seems.


4.
Poor composition, he's looking up at you.
Distracting background (very!!). You've amputated his
limbs. How does his top head stay dark and face light?




5.
Second best. Not centered, he/she is walking into the frame.
Nice expression, decent focus. A little distracting
background (those houses/fence or whatever it is).




Keep in mind I'm just an amateur trying to look at your photos with
a critical eye. That is key.

 

[SabrinaO]

I like #1 even though its a snapshot. What does the sticky say? Is he even looking at it? Nice capture.
The plant and the pictures of the dogs are great. Nice composition. What was the shutter speed of the plant and the dog? They look a tiny bit soft. The picture of the child, again its just a snapshot. If you were going for more of a portrait, use a less busy background, get lower,(eye level) and do not use the pop up flash! The tiny flash of light in the pupils are not a good look.

 

[shortpants]

I recommend really learning what you're camera is doing, and get a book for learning the basics on exposure, depth of field, etc. I can't give specific good reads, maybe someone else will chime in. The first one of the dog would be nice if maybe you were closer and nailed the focus and exposure. You have the right idea though. It can take time to really understand what a good picture looks like. Keep practicing and nail down the basics.

Compaq a snapshot IS a photograph. The whole "it's just a snapshot" thing bothers me. To me it's like saying "it's just a landscape" or "just a portrait" or any other type of picture. Their are good ones, and bad ones of all types.

 

[Compaq]

I understand what you mean. Perhaps I should mention that I used my personal interpretation of the word "photograph". I hope I didn't insult anyone. You are doing great, OP, the fact that you're taking shots and posting for C&C is great! I just like to think of a photograph as a picture taken with thought to composition, lightening, focus, background and all that stuff. Sure, snapshots can come out great, but to it just doesn't feel like a photograph. I find it hard to feel good about a picture I've taken if I didn't intend on the content, or was aware of what was happening, so to speak. But that's not me. The important thing is, of course, to get the shot.

I hope I've sorted out the misunderstanding.

/thread jack

 

[PatrickWTF]

Thanks all for the advice. Especially Compaq. As for the books, can anyone recommend any good ones to get started with. I watch a lot of videos on photography but have yet to look into purchasing a book.

 

[Compaq]

People seem to recommend "Understanding Exposure" by Brian Peterson. I haven't read it, but I did purchase it a copy (though not the newest edition) earlier today for 1$ (hehe) used. Someone else will have to come with concrete literature.

Anyway, I didn't mean to come off as arrogant in my post. I'm still learning as well