obviously a beginner so be nice lol

[cccott3]

Wow that looks much better! His eyes are so much clearer! And ya it does look better vertical . I will for sure number and not post so many next time. Thanks

 

[cccott3]

Oh and when I edit I don't use specific sizes. Is that just so it doesn't get cropped when printed?

 

[KmH]

If you look closely each crop size is a different aspect ratio. The 4x6 is a 3:2 aspect ration, and is long and narrow. Your Canon XS makes 3:2 aspect ratio photos.

The 5x7 is a 5:7 aspect ratio and not quite as long and narrow.

The 8x10 is a 5:4 aspect ratio and closer to being square than the 5x7 or the 4x6.

 

[cccott3]

Ok do you know of any cheap decent editing sites?

 

[MTVision]

Ok do you know of any cheap decent editing sites?

I don't personally know of any cheap editing sites but Photoshop elements is decent priced and you can try it for free for 30 days. Elements is a stripped down version of Photoshop but it can do a lot

 

[RebeccaAPhotography]

I've never used gimp but i have seen others mention it on here. Gimp is free. Also picnik is free or u can pay a bit and get extra tools.

Are you a student. Photoshop has great deals for students!

 

[cccott3]

I've never used gimp but i have seen others mention it on here. Gimp is free. Also picnik is free or u can pay a bit and get extra tools.

Are you a student. Photoshop has great deals for students!

No I'm an oncology nurse, just enjoy taking pictures and want to get better at it had no idea there was so much to learn and how much I don't know.

 

[subscuck]

had no idea there was so much to learn and how much I don't know.

That can be fixed. How serious and committed are you to learning? I would suggest some reading to start getting your feet under you. "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson is often recommended for beginners and I think it would be a good starting point for you. As you've already found out, there is a lot to learn, and the learning curve seems impossibly steep at times. This is where a couple of good books can help.

 

[cccott3]

I am serious about learning and I will read that book, several people have recommend it. Here's the thing... I'm keeping my friends baby in a few days and I'm going to take some pics of her. I really didn't think my pics were so awful until I put them in here and things were pointed out to me. So to improve them from what I have learned so far I need to put some (tissue paper) over my flash. Any other basic things I can do? I am doing them in my house (not very bright) on paper.

 

[subscuck]

Maybe set your lens to about 30mm, and shoot in Portrait mode. Portrait mode should, by default give you the widest aperture for the focal length you select. The a**wipe over the flash will help, but on axis lighting always looks a bit flat due to it's head on nature. I'd also google "newborn pics" or something similar in order to get some ideas. Tripod, if you got one.

 

[The_Traveler]

Probably the best way to get pictures of children is to NOT pose them. That invariably looks fake.
Just get at their level and keep taking pictures until they get tired of looking at you.
Then you'll catch them at their normal activities which makes for much better pictures.

Learn to focus on their eyes, shoot at f stops at the more open end of your lens (smaller numbers), that will allow faster shutter speeds. Use higher iso so that shutter speeds can be higher.
Review the pictures and find what is working.
Don't use on-camera flash (I would say don't use flash but to each his own.)

Photography is a craft and an art just like painting or pottery or sculpture.
Even though modern cameras make it easier you have to get some understanding of what you are doing in order to concentrate on making it look good.

I've been in healthcare for a long time and it is my impression that dedicated nurses are the smartest people in the hospital and so I have confidence that you can do it. It is just a question of application. (and, if you have it, some money)

I am decidedly not a child photographer but by working at it, even I can produce the occasional decent child picture. (example 1 , example 2)

 

[cccott3]

Probably the best way to get pictures of children is to NOT pose them. That invariably looks fake.
Just get at their level and keep taking pictures until they get tired of looking at you.
Then you'll catch them at their normal activities which makes for much better pictures.

Learn to focus on their eyes, shoot at f stops at the more open end of your lens (smaller numbers), that will allow faster shutter speeds. Use higher iso so that shutter speeds can be higher.
Review the pictures and find what is working.
Don't use on-camera flash (I would say don't use flash but to each his own.)

Photography is a craft and an art just like painting or pottery or sculpture.
Even though modern cameras make it easier you have to get some understanding of what you are doing in order to concentrate on making it look good.

I've been in healthcare for a long time and it is my impression that dedicated nurses are the smartest people in the hospital and so I have confidence that you can do it. It is just a question of application. (and, if you have it, some money)

I am decidedly not a child photographer but by working at it, even I can produce the occasional decent child picture. (example 1 , example 2)

Thanks for the tips and the encouragement

 

[msuggs]

Aperture for Mac is a nice editing software for about $80. I like it's nice tool to get the correct ratios for prints plus the photo editing tools are easy to learn.

 

[WDodd]

Even before you get the Understanding Exposure book, the Internet is a fabulous (and often free) resource. For example: Basic Photo Tips: Find basic & beginner photography tips, techniques & guides at photo.net has the basic information about exposure (shutter speed, ISO, and aperture).

Once you have a good grasp on the basics and you have that flash that others mentioned. The Strobist, is a fantastic place to learn how to use that flash!

 

[bennielou]

It looks like you are off to a good start. Here are a few things to consider:

Read everything you can about light.

Learn how to correct your light balance.

Watch your backgrounds. (This is one of the biggest mistakes people make, and once they are aware of it, it's the easiest to correct.)

Keep shooting. I see some good potential here.