For C&C - don't spare my feelings!

randomguy

Would really appreciate some C&C on these - trying to learn to use a dSLR, still getting the hang of it. Would love constructive criticism, or even if you find them a bit "blah" just say so.

Longtime lurker here, ages ago read a post from a regular suggesting that beginners should aim for a theme/idea such as "red" when you set out, to focus your eye, so that's exactly what I've tried with most of them.









(I'd love to know how to not have the white so overexposed while keeping the deep red and blue??)

AnimalRights

Horse is a horse midget in 1???
Too much red in red poles in #2
#3 not sure, not against it but yet not for it? I am not a politician btw!
#4 Probs the best of the 4.....

PixelTrawler

I like all 4.

I like the red poles and the small crane.

Do you use a polaroid filter? It might help with the over exposed whites although its not really a problem in any off your photos.

The pol filter might have given you a better sky with the crane as it looks a little washed.

Good job overall

Calina

I'm sorry. Did you think we were going to tear you apart? It doesn't work like that all the time. I like to be encouraging, where possible. It's possible here.

I particularly like 2 and 3. Well done.

With respect to 1, I would have considered underexposing it a stop. I'd like to see a deeper blue in the sky. You could do this in post processing if you have something like Photoshop, ACDSee or the GIMP to play with by messing with the curves a little. If not, you could also adjust the levels. I know that Photoshop Elements gives you greater options with levels than it does with curves.

As regards Poolbeg Lighthouse, again I like it. The white doesn't look so burned to me - least I can still some of the brick detail in the wall. But it's something I would generally sort out after the fact given how bright it is.

shepthedog

Yep like these.. Lovely little set.. Great colours and vibrancy.. Perfect for the change of seasons.. Number 4 probably my fav.

randomguy

AnimalRights wrote: »

Horse is a horse midget in 1???

If you think that's bad, you should have seen this one before I cropped it! Different horse, much further into the sea.


Thanks for the comments, all. (AnimalRights, Of the 4, I actually thought the last was the least interesting. Degustibus non est disputandum and all that i suppose.)

Fajitas!

Here we go

Overall, you did quite well as regards exposure, you still have both sky and foreground in the shot. You're following the rule of thirds too, so all is good there! Well done!

The first shot, it would be great if you had been a bit closer to the horse, it gets a bit lost in there - Other than that, some more foreground interest would have been great, but I wouldn't worry too much for the moment.

The second shot would be the least interesting of the four for me, but that dosn't mean there's anything wrong with it!

The third, I think is a very strong photo, you've got foreground interest, and lines leading to the background of the photograph, which is maintained by the towers and a well exposed sky. The walk out there was worth it

The last photo, I think, is the strongest of the four. You've got great vibrant colours, the wall isn't burnt out at all, you did a great job with that! Next time you're about, try putting the tower in different parts of the frame, getting some more lines leading in or out of the image to give it some depth.

So, all together, well done. Now get back out there and keep shooting

Do you use any image editing programs?

whyulittle

This one from your set is gorgeous. Probably work a little better if the crane wasn't obstructing the lighthouse, but still.

randomguy

Fajitas! wrote: »

Here we go
Do you use any image editing programs?

Yeah, messing around with GIMP. Really only have the hang of cropping and levels so far. On some of the others I can mess with them, but don't really understand why things change the way they do. I'm waiting for "Understanding Exposure" to arrive from Amazon, which should hopefully help.

Thanks everyone for the comments. Much appreciated. I have only used the camera twice in the last few months, due to other commitments, but your comments are really encouraging me to get out with it during the summer and just try stuff. Goodnight and thanks again.

Fajitas!

Well if the weather keeps up, you've no excuses!

Good to hear you're playing around with the GIMP, no need to get too worried about why what changes what for the moment, just see what happens when you adjust something, you'll soon figure out what you like!

AnimalRights

I am pissed outta me face by this stage but.......

Fajitas!

AnimalRights wrote: »

I am pissed outta me face by this stage but.......

Never leave a bank holiday go to waste, eh?

AnimalRights

Reading back lol, donno who the **** I was replying too!

Fajitas!

Lol!

Oh how I wish I had went to the pub.

melekalikimaka

i'm home frommy bender that started friday night

JMcL

As other's have said, you've done pretty well with the exposure here, keep it up! Now to the critique:

In #1 there's not really any definite subject - the horse is just too small. The other thing is that even if the horse were larger in the frame, it'd be much better if it were to the left of the frame, facing into it

#2 I like. There's a sense of symmetry between the poles and the tower block. I might desaturate the poles a wee bit, as red is a very dominant colour, but the composition is good.

#3 I would find better if the crane were to the left of the frame pointing into it. I find it too close to the right hand edge and it leads my eye out of the frame. I do of course realise that trying to get that composition might be a slightly damp experience.

#4 is very good, and the best of the bunch. It looks like you've retained detail in the white wall despite it being very bright. If this is the case, you could darken it a bit with the burn tool, or better again with a curves adjustment layer and a layer mask. I wouldn't darken it too much though, and as I think you want to, I'd hold the exposure for the sky and light as they are.

Freddie59

Only starting out myself. Like #3 & #4.:)

Fenster

Welcome to the awkward adolescence of your photographic development.