New DSLR "Artist"

[eswarpr]

Hello All,

First time posting. Just about started some serious photography (read first time being able to afford a good camera). I have started taking snaps by the aid of intuition rather than knowing what the numbers actually mean. I am showcasing my work - in the hope that I can get some feedback and tips for corrections on the way. I have linked them from my gallery in this forum

Many thanks for taking time to reply.

Regards,
Eswar

 

[iNick]

#1 is underexposed and IMO should have been shot in portrait orientation. #2 is a shot of a bowl of olives...

I suggest you get your hands on the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. You will learn a fantastic amount from him. It's the most recommended book around here.

 

[eswarpr]

Nick thanks for the tips. Will try to get hold of the book soon.

#2: hehehe, I see what you mean, but I am a noob, so bear with my shots for a while.

 

[Malone]

When you're posting, try to critique yourself. State what you think is good with the picture and what you can improve on.

You can also state what you were trying to do with the photo, whether you are just working on DOF or something specific, your intentions with the photo, or the message you are trying to convey to the viewer.

Be sure you thoroughly read your camera's manual; also you may want to pick up a copy of Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson - it's highly recommended on this forum.

 

[iNick]

#2: hehehe, I see what you mean, but I am a noob, so bear with my shots for a while.

No worries! I was taking shots like this when i was just starting too, keep shooting!

 

[eswarpr]

Thanks Malone, I will keep that in mind when I post next.

There have been 2 recommendations for that book already, so I guess it is time I got hold of a copy . It is a D90 with the stock 18-105mm lens - no filters used yet (except a UV filter)

I must say I appreciate the honest and productive critique I get here, especially for a newbie. I appreciate that very much.

 

[eswarpr]

Colour Blind by Eswar Prakash (eswarpr), on Flickr

Thought I would put this in just in case. This is the copy of what I posted before. This time, I have pasted the original that I got from the camera itself. The original one was a vivid colour image which I pushed through some PS filters and ended up removing the highlights as you saw in the first image.

I was attempting to recreate a partially sharp image of the person in the photo. The sunlight was from the front-right side. I set the camera to "programmed auto" mode. The ISO was auto, but I set the EV compensation level (EV bias) and set the metering mode to "spot". Again, I was not sure if that is a good choice or bad one though. I am quite keen to know what should have been the optimal setting for it. I was using the stock lens (18-105mm) at full focal length.

 

[Raian-san]

There's not enough blacks in there to make it a black and white cause that photo you just edited again has no contrast. Looks flat. Also on the left side of the photo that has nothing, we call it dead space. If it's not important or it doesn't compliment the picture or shouldn't be in the picture, crop it out. Crop it again to make it even with the right side, and it'll be a bit better. Keep shooting.

 

[eswarpr]

Thanks Rajan for an explanation of dead space. I will keep that in mind for next time. I see what you mean about the contrast. So, I should have just left it at colour mode then.

 

[EPPhoto]

You def have some reading to do! Learn how to make a proper exposure FIRST! You need to understand how your camera works before you start trying different techniques. The book "Understanding Exposure" is a staple for beginners! It's a kicka$$ book. You will learn TONS!

 

[eswarpr]

Thanks for taking the time to reply everyone. I will, without delay, get hold of that book and read it. Meanwhile, I am sure, I want to experiment with all the buttons and controls on my camera, because I think you cannot learn without falling down and bruising yourself. What say?

 

[Kerbouchard]

Thanks for taking the time to reply everyone. I will, without delay, get hold of that book and read it. Meanwhile, I am sure, I want to experiment with all the buttons and controls on my camera, because I think you cannot learn without falling down and bruising yourself. What say?

Sounds like a plan, but I would skip 'understanding exposure'. The book is overrated. Any general photography book will teach you exposure, as will googling exposure, or clicking on this link... Learn Photography Concepts Honestly, it's not that complicated.

Yep, you have some work to do, but the photographic community is not nearly as exclusive as it was 20 years ago. There is a wealth of info at the local library as well as on the internet.

Best of luck to you.

 

[eswarpr]

Sounds like a plan, but I would skip 'understanding exposure'. The book is overrated. Any general photography book will teach you exposure, as will googling exposure, or clicking on this link... Learn Photography Concepts Honestly, it's not that complicated.

Yep, you have some work to do, but the photographic community is not nearly as exclusive as it was 20 years ago. There is a wealth of info at the local library as well as on the internet.

Best of luck to you.

Thank you. I have bookmarked that page, very informative.