Graveyard C&C

Jabberfly

My first time using a DSLR (Canon 400d w/ kit lens), shots taking today in the old graveyard in Naas. Im a complete novice when it comes to photography, today was the first time that i have ever even held an SLR so any C&C will be highly appreicated.










http://www.flickr.com/photos/jabberfly/sets/72157606674602493/

Redisle

This might sound a bit harsh but since nobody else has replied yet..

What were you going for with these pictures? To me they just look like snapshots.. taking pictures of the graveyard for the sake of remembering the graveyard..

All of those pictures are taken from a high view point which makes them look very flat and a bit lifeless. You could probably make more interesting images if you were to consider your prespective more,for example try and take photos down on your chest looking up at a headstone for a bit of dramatic effect (this would work better if you had a good backround to boot).

If you are going for photos that have some sort of artistic appeal I think you have to put a bit more thought into it. Personally these photos don't really stand out for me but that is just a personal opinion.

Also consider getting up closer with the subject, you may find some interesting close-up detail in places like this.

Taking pictures in a graveyard like this definetly has some potential, you just have to put some thought into it. Another thing you could try is go for a silhoutte effect with the sun behind the subject. Point the camera at the sun or sky first and press the exposure lock button (the one with the asterix over it near the mode dial, this only works in a manual/semi manual mode like av or tv) then point at the headstone or other subject and focus and take your picture, the subject will be black with the sky in colour. You will have to play around with that and you will figure it out eventually!

If you are interested in a good photography book I, and nearly everyone on this board, have no hesitation in recommending this book - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Camera/dp/0817463003/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218365957&sr=8-1
its very good for trying to get a grasp of some of the concepts in photography.

Hope this helped.

mike65

Indeed, graveyards have great potential. When in such an evironmment you have to have a "theme" and create an atmosphere using light, filters, concentrating on telling detail - be it physical or more abtract or indeed humanist. For example you could seek to bring out "time" as a theme by looking for dates and names preferably going back many generations.

http://blogs.princeton.edu/paw/Carville%20Graveyard.jpg

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/926781/2/istockphoto_926781_graveyard_light.jpg

http://joshuamaharphotography.com/photoblog/images/20080410202132__jem0421_hamilton%20graveyard%20iv_joseph%20beckford.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1325/821372710_47b9b40934.jpg?v=0

Mike

sunny2004

in fairness the OP said he is a complete novice first time using a DSLR

so, my suggestion would be to google graveyard images and go back !

kgiller

mike65 wrote: »

Indeed, graveyards have great potential. When in such an evironmment you have to have a "theme" and create an atmosphere using light, filters, concentrating on telling detail - be it physical or more abtract or indeed humanist. For example you could seek to bring out "time" as a theme by looking for dates and names preferably going back many generations.

http://blogs.princeton.edu/paw/Carville%20Graveyard.jpg

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/926781/2/istockphoto_926781_graveyard_light.jpg

http://joshuamaharphotography.com/photoblog/images/20080410202132__jem0421_hamilton%20graveyard%20iv_joseph%20beckford.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1325/821372710_47b9b40934.jpg?v=0

Mike

This one too ... http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2689913724_7dd4ed80f9_b.jpg :P (one of mine)

I would agree with whats already been said here. You need to know what you want to achieve before just snapping away. Get some interesting backgrounds, details, DOF etc.

They all look a bit dark for me too.

jackdaw

You need to try and avoid CENTERING subjects aswell ..

it has to much a snapshot feel .. try getting an interesting angle, and return maybe at sunset (or sunrise) -- the 2 best times of day for photos.

also try shooting in Black&White -- suits graveyards great ..

But hey .. I like the 2nd photo .. nice bokeh

Pub

Hi

Centering subjects isn't always bad but you should try to avoid centering when taking photos with lots of subjects in it. You have taken a giant leap forward in your photographing endeavor. You bought a DSLR!!! congrats on that. Now use that view finder and COMPOSE your shots. No more point and shoot using the LCD!


Photos have to have 3 main elements

A Subject
A theme (tell a story)
And be simple.

Looking at your pictures you have to ask your self what is the subject, the theme and is it simple. In my opinion your photos are lacking something fundamental. A Theme. Ok your at a cemetary. What is the theme of number one? What's the subject? I know what I am looking at, but why am I looking at it and what are you, the photographer, trying to tell me? What story are you capturing here? In this case its your subject matter. All your photos are lacking a sound theme.

You saw some thing in your mind that made you snap those pictures. Did you convey what was in your minds eye and transfer that to the finished photo? Photography is art. Making people see what you see when you looked through the view finder the moment you pressed the shutter release. Yes there is a technical side to photography. Just look at all the settings. My Nikon D300 and D80 have more buttons that I know what to do with. But the fundementals of picture taking are the same.

Photos are stop action moments in time. A moment forever captured. To make your photos better stop and think. Compose and remember the three fundamentals Subject Theme and Simplicity.

The only photo I have of a tomb that I could find off hand

l pearse

I am also a novice with a nikon SRL. & lf l could capture what mike65 has posted l would be chuffed.
You must be really proud of your shots mike65.

Nearly wasn't going to post my 'class Z' shots but I will.
Any C&C is very welcome:P









http://www.flickr.com/photos/29172058@N07/

Pub

l pearse wrote: »

I am also a novice with a nikon SRL. & lf l could capture what mike65 has posted l would be chuffed.
You must be really proud of your shots mike65.

Nearly wasn't going to post my 'class Z' shots but I will.
Any C&C is very welcome:P









http://www.flickr.com/photos/29172058@N07/

I like number 1 and 3 has very nice colors!.

This is a subject I would like to shoot more.

AnimalRights

Well I thought #2 was lovely.

mike65

l pearse wrote: »

I am also a novice with a nikon SRL. & lf l could capture what mike65 has posted l would be chuffed.
You must be really proud of your shots mike65.

They ain't mine - just some examples to help the OP.

Mike.