The Last Marigoldby
ZollarstemComment by TooCool: From the Critique Club
You have some very nice colors here. Unfortunately, your focus is not on and your exposure is off also. The lighting is also very hash, exagerating all the other things that are not quite right with this shot.
When I look at your camera, it looks like a very simple point and shoot type camera. This does not need to be a bad thing, but you need to work a little different then those with really nice cameras. First off, there is a lot of noise in this shot. This makes me think that you used a digital zoom. If your camera does not have an optical zoom system, you will have to get as close to a subject like this as you can. Optical zoom rules, Digital zoom sucks. That's all there is too it.
I'm not sure how to fix the focus problem with your camera. With all the point and shoots that I've seen, you must give the camera time to focus before you push the shutter button all the way down. Otherwise you are taking the exposure before the camera is focused and ready for it. This took me a while to figure out with my camera!
Lighting issues are a little easier to deal with. Basically with an outdoor shot like this you need to try and shoot rather early in the morning, or later in the evening. This will bring the sun in at a lower angle and allow the natural physics of the sky to soften the light somewhat. This will mean that the light is coming in at an angle though so you may need to fill in the darker side. This can be as easy as holding (having someone hold) a piece of white paper or foil on the dark side to reflect a little light back onto the subject. This is called fill lighting and doesn't replace the sun, but will halp make shadows not so harsh and give detail.
I see potential in this shot. You need to practice, but if you persevere you will get better. Just don't let a low score in your first challenge make you discouraged!
TC
Photographer found comment helpful.