Another Newbie looking for Constructive Feedback

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/16/2005 02:09:03 PM · #1

//photos.yahoo.com/pixkwess04

Hi, This is my maiden voyage - any feedback on these photos would be appreciated.

My camera is a small Samsung Digimax 301. I switched from "normal" to Super Fine with the Niagara Pictures. The quality will not match the "big boys", but I'm interested in your opinions on my composition and how my pictures make you feel.

Thank You. Kathy

Settings
Size=2048 x 1536. W.Bal= Auto/Daylight or Off. Sharp=Normal. Meter=Multi Quality: Normal(early pix) Niagara&Butterflies=Super Fine.

Message edited by author 2005-02-16 14:09:25.

PollyBean

Canon EOS-5D

02/16/2005 02:15:10 PM · #2

I'm a newbie myself! I think you have a very creative eye.

I would suggest working on focus and framing. Maybe start with simple compostitions until you are confident.

Good luck!

Imagineer

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

02/16/2005 02:22:53 PM · #3

Some nice work there Kathy. I like Ice Window best - you're in close and there's good texture and an interesting composition.

Always get close to the subject, avoid eye-level snapshots, don't use gimmicky effects and try to offer a way of looking at the subject that's different from the norm. Well, that's my approach at least.
: )

Kylie

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

02/16/2005 02:27:12 PM · #4

Very good eye in my opinion! I like your approach a lot and think we will see some awesome stuff from you. You are obviously intrigued by your world and are finding some great ways to express what you see.

02/16/2005 02:34:25 PM · #5

Wow! How quickly you came through.

The camera was a gift on my 58th birthday last June. It lured my arthritic body outdoors and into a brand-new obsession.

I keep trying to work on the focus problem - which seems to work (or not!) for me. I would appreciate further response on the issue, based on what is going on....
1. Because I have arthritis, my choice seems to be on my tummy or on my feet (no bending, squatting, etc.)
2. Hands can be shaky, especially at shutter push
3. Have to hold camera high overhead on occasion.
4. Have difficulty seeing monitor under certain lights

I will keep seeing the subjects through my imagination, but the focus thing is definitely the most frustrating. The change to Super Fine quality has really helped, as well as using a tripod has.

Thank you again, both of you. Kathy

Message edited by author 2005-02-16 14:52:01.

mfairbanks

Sony DSC-F828

02/16/2005 02:41:56 PM · #6

Kathy,
Nice photo's!! As for the shaky hands, have you considered purchasing a monopod?? Their a lot lighter and cheaper than a tripod, and might help you out a bit!

Mike

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

02/16/2005 02:51:03 PM · #7

Mike, Thank you for the monopad suggestion. Never heard of them, but will definitely check it out.

I have a tripod, but it isn't always practical to cart with me (My camera resides in my purse 24/7.) This may solve some of my problems.

Now, if only I could just learn to remember to leave my gloves on (even with the finger flaps, I keep removing them.) In this frigid Winter, I'm not sure if I pressed the shutter successfully,half the time!

Guessing from your User Name, you're in Alaska - can't wait to see your pictures! We absolutely live in a gorgeous country, don't we? Kathy

aronya1

Nikon D70

02/16/2005 03:02:15 PM · #8

Hi Kathy. Welcome to the family. I really like your Ice series. All of them are nice.

A monopod would be more portable for you, but you'll still have to hold it still when you shoot.

A couple of other suggestions that might help: In my experience, I find that many people spoil their own photos by pushing the camera "trigger", rather than squeezing it. Try to just put a little more pressure on the button instead of pushing it.

Also, I try to pay attention to my breathing. If you watch the image on your camera, you'll see that there is more shake at different times in the in/out breathing cycle. I try to time my handheld shots for the calmest part of that cycle. Keeping the arms away from the body helps, too.

My 2cts. Keep shooting & posting.

Message edited by author 2005-02-16 15:03:46.