Newbie here, some C&C would be appreciated!

nationofhoopsw1 · May 22, 2011

Hello all! I've got some questions for you photography lovers and will post up some pictures of what I've done. My first question is what is a good all around basic photo editing program? Right now I use an older version of iPhoto (I believe it's the 06 version) I have a mac and a PC, but would prefer the editing program to be on the PC. In these pictures I was wondering if I am doing too much with the editing or if they are turning out alright? These were all taken with a point and shoot. Recently, I have updated to a Canon T2i and I'm still playing around with it. I'm very new to photography, but I figured this would be a good place to start. Thanks and happy shooting!

Fleacz · May 22, 2011

holy crap! these are pretty amazing for a beginner, looks like you're a natural haha. i have no idea what the iphoto is capable of when it comes to editing, but i recommend Photoshop. its really helpful and worth its cost in the long run.

Netskimmer · May 22, 2011

I really like the last three. The tree is my favorite.

PhotoTish · May 22, 2011

I like the last three best. I like the path leading down to that tree that almost looks as if it is standing guard! I like the colours and composition of no. 5 and no. 6 has a nice blend of colours :thumbup:

It depends on what you want to do in photo editing and what your budget is. I like Elements 8 (can't afford the full Photoshop!) Elements works with RAW format too. You might want to look at Gimp - it is a free download - I have not used it but I know several people who do and they like it. Welcome to photography :flower:

rambler · May 22, 2011

Very nice. the last one is my favorite. Flowers tend to "wash out" in full sun. Take them in shade, on cloudy days or in PM. In full sun, you can sometimes put the blooms in the shadow of your body.
For editing: Elements 9 to Lightroom 3, to Photoshop is a natural progression. Discounts do show up sometimes. Use "how to" manuals by Scott Kelby.

subscuck · May 22, 2011

You seem to have an eye, but the saturation on these is killing my eyes. It really could be pulled back considerably and still have nice, bold colors.

misstwinklytoes · May 22, 2011

The good things have been pointed out. I''m going to be the bad guy and point out the things that bother me. I am NOT perfect or anywhere near it, but I believe you can't learn and grow without seeing the bad stuff.

1. Is nice, but the horizon dissects the photograph.

2. Nearly blown spots and shadow in bottom right are distracting.

3. Oversaturated, but again the horizon is right in the middle.

4. Appears crooked, but the composition is nice. I wish the tree in the middle didn't have so many blown spots.

5. Very nice. RoT used nicely.

6. Nice and soothing but kind of boring.

chaosrealm93 · May 22, 2011

wow, i like the 4th and 5th. i think the first one is a bit dark..

Raian-san · May 22, 2011

If you're new, you're on the right direction. People already said what needed to be said. Keep it up.

nationofhoopsw1 · May 22, 2011

Thanks for the CC everyone, photography is something where you can learn something new everyday. I will work on these things you all have mentioned and I downloaded Gimp so I will see what I can do with it.

cardinals1970 · May 22, 2011

I think #1 and #3 could use less foreground and a little more sky, as they are now you have a lot of dead black space at the bottom of both.

makr · May 22, 2011

Some nice pics. Consider cropping off about 1/2 of the black on the bottom of #1. I really like the last one: great colors, lines, form, pattern, proportion. You must have a background in art principles or just naturally have a good eye. Maybe crop a little off the top, just to make the aspect ratio a little wider.