Critique and suggestions?

JustHalf

Hi guys,

I got a Canon EOS400D a few weeks ago and I've been trying to learn how to take better photos. I'll be enrolling in a class in January, but I want to get as good as I can as soon as possible.

I'm pretty new at taking anything more than snaps, so I would love if anyone had any advice on how to take better pictures. If I have made a poor choice for a shot -- in aperture setting, shutter speed, framing, use of flash, whatever -- I would like to know so I can improve.

There's a sample of stuff at my Flickr account:

http://flickr.com/photos/dbarrett/

In particular, if anyone has any advice on how to capture people, that would be fantastic. At the moment, I'm just working up the balls to take photos of people without asking their permission first but, if anyone

http://flickr.com/photos/dbarrett/sets/72157594343510490/

Cheers,
Dave

Fobia

You should really ask for people's permission if you're going to publish it in any way and the photo involves their face (on the internet or whatever). I think it's the law, but far more importantly, it's good manners..

melekalikimaka

i don't think you have to ask permission to take pictures of people in public. unless you use them to make profit, you can snap away... maybe its good manners...only if they catch you tho

rymus

Aye, I think it's fair game in public. Unless of course you get someone who objects to it and either asks you to stop or gives you a slap.

On the subject of candids or street photography, you could do worse than to check out Donncha's photos at www.inphotos.org. That might give you a bit of insight into technique.

JustHalf

I've asked about this and, so long as it is in a public place, it is entirely legal to take a photo of anything or anyone. Private property (which includes shops and public transport) is not legal without permission.

JustHalf

rymus wrote:

Aye, I think it's fair game in public. Unless of course you get someone who objects to it and either asks you to stop or gives you a slap.

On the subject of candids or street photography, you could do worse than to check out Donncha's photos at www.inphotos.org. That might give you a bit of insight into technique.

Yeah, if someone objects that's fine. But if you ask someone for permission to take a photo of them, they pose. And it wrecks the shot entirely.

I'm on the way to Donncha's photos now. Cheers, Rymus.

Roen

I once came across a Dublin based guy who posted pics of girls asses only on Flickr, all the pics were like he was hiding in a bush or a car with a long lens, he seemed like a right perv. That is definitely objectionable, street candids are not.

I should have added him as a contact, I can't find him now

Fionn

pretty good street stuff there - well done

if the scene is a big crowd i think most times no one minds or bothers coz ther'll be other camera peeps there.if it's just you and not much going on - people get a bit anxious ok, specially with kids always ask!! or like take shots then defer to the parents/guardians and as has been said if for profit you do need(so they say) (stock photos) to get a model release for each identifable person in the photograph, however this is up for debate like if there's a court scene and there's a few defendants on the times or RTE or whatever - i'm sure no release was acquired - public interest and all that!!!