I am so bumbed.. - DPChallenge Forums

04/17/2006 08:38:48 AM · #1

I bought my 20D and a new computer at the same time in Jan of this year. Ever since then my scores suck. I rec better scores with my point and shoot. Would someone please tell me what I am doing wrong? Do you think that I am just taking crappy pictures? Could it be the new monitor? Is it the way I edit my pictures? I just can't get out of this 4-5 voting average. It sucks.

smilebig4me1x

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

04/17/2006 08:43:40 AM · #2

i know what ya mean mandy...Im in the exact same boat! Ill go and see if i can leave ya a few comments but I think most of your work is simply wonderful. But Ill try...

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/17/2006 08:45:41 AM · #3

I think the main difference you'll see when switching to a DSLR is that you'll have greater control over the image. And to paraphrase Spiderman: With great control comes great responsibility. :-)

No but seriously... it's easier to mess up with a camera that requires you to think about what you're doing. But on the other hand, you have so much greater potential for the perfect shot.

I've always loved your shooting style... I'd say, just keep shooting lots of pictures, the handling may be different, but it'll come to you.

P.S.
As a side note, I have a good friend at work who bought a 20D a few months back. He confided in me that, although he is the "photographer" in the family, he's amazed that his wife keeps taking better pictures than he does - especially when she puts it on the green square (totally automatic) while he's got the camera on manual trying to do "everything right". So that's another thought... maybe start out in automatic mode and progress from there.

awpollard

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

04/17/2006 08:46:45 AM · #4

See what Smilebig4me1x said in this thread

Pretty much sums it up...

Your shots haven't changed the voters have...

04/17/2006 08:55:06 AM · #5

Well that is a nice thought, but I cannot blame my low scores on the members only. It has be something I am doing or not doing. Of course I might KNOW what that is if someone told me. But who am I to talk? I hardly ever leave comments either. BUT...I only give a score under 5 if the picture is just really bad, so when I see my scores that I rec., it makes me wonder if my picture really sucks and i am just blind. You know how they say that every mother thinks her children are beautiful? I think that I may have that problem.

smilebig4me1x

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

04/17/2006 09:02:15 AM · #6

mandy, I left you 2 comments on your most recent low scores/one comment recieved challenge entrys. just my opinions. :o)

Apple iPhone

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

04/17/2006 09:21:23 AM · #7

Mandy I went back and looked at the last few of your photos, what I see is mostly midtones .... not a lot of darker tones and some light tones... If you go look at yourhigher scoring photos that wasnt the same.. you had better darker tones and crisper lighter tones... and the middle tones were stronger..

NOt sure if that explained why I beleive you're getting votes where you are

For instance.. April 15th youahve two photos for your self portrait... the colour photo has stonger tones and I would have given it a 7 or 8 .. while the b&w hasn't gotten the stronger tones.. and i'd have given it a 5

Cutter

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

04/17/2006 09:26:48 AM · #8

step outside you doorway, walk/drive somewhere brand new. Come home and edit with a completely fresh point of view. Mix it up is what I am saying. Or take a few weeks off and come back for more. That is what I did recently and am rejuv-ed.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

04/17/2006 09:42:11 AM · #9

I think everyone goes through a bit of a slump when they upgrade from P&S to SLR -- there is just so much more to think about. The common misconception is "once I have a nice camera, good shots will be automatic" but that just isn't the way it works. It takes a little time (and practice) to get the feel of the new equipment.

I agree with Di that some of your b/w shots lack full tonal value - they're just a bit flat. That would be a processing or conversion to b/w issue, not photography issue. What method are you using to convert to b/w?

Don't be bummed, keep trying and do better. You have it in you. :)

Message edited by author 2006-04-17 09:42:34.

dahkota

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/17/2006 09:48:33 AM · #10

I have always used an SLR. I have tried using a P&S but I just have no skill with one. Most images I have taken with my husband's P&S suck. I just can't get the hang of it. If I practice, it might start getting better but it would take time. It happens on both sides of the fence you see. Changing equipment requires a learning curve.

If you have always driven an automatic, you will have problems initially driving a stick shift. I used to always drive a stick shift and still find myself 'stomping' on the clutch...

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

04/17/2006 09:49:19 AM · #11

I just make it black and white...I really don't do any special coverting method. I have been playing around with the settings on the camera for black and white photos with different filters and I haven't really liked what I have ended up with so far. My black and whites do not look flat on my monitor, but a few have when I had them printed. I tried to calibrate the stupid thing...but it doesn't look any different from before.

Apple iPhone

04/17/2006 09:55:35 AM · #12

Go to someone elses computer with a different monitor to see what they look like..
then maybe invest in something to calibrate your monitor

Originally posted by mandyturner:

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/17/2006 10:08:33 AM · #13

Originally posted by mandyturner:

I just make it black and white...I really don't do any special coverting method.

there are a LOT of different methods for converting to black and white, and none of them work perfectly 100% of the time. some images will require one method, while others will require a different method. you need to learn ALL the methods and practice with each of them.

also, the conversion is just a starting point--it is NOT the ending point. after you've converted it, you still need to address tonality, sharpness, etc. just because it sticks to the wall doesn't mean it's ready to eat...

JayWalk

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/17/2006 10:19:57 AM · #14

Mandy (and anybody else)... there is a LOT more to making a B&W picture than just converting it. One really great tutorial that has helped me is: Adobe B&W Tutorial
It's relatively basic, but from there you can start to experiment with lots of different things.

Adjusting different colors tones underneath a desaturated photo really changes the dynamics of a picture.

Message edited by author 2006-04-17 10:21:10.

awpollard

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

04/17/2006 10:30:21 AM · #15

Mandy,
have you tried the b/w filters in Virtual Photographer? One barely needs anything else (for non challenge entries). There are some sweet filters in there.

I believe you are using DIP10 aren't you? I have been trying to duplicate those VP filters in DIP to fall under the basic challenge rules. Should have some tuts shortly.

Andy

04/17/2006 10:32:02 AM · #16

Thank you so much for all the help. For the record..I have never thought that any of my entries where "ribbon" materal...just wish some would have scored higher. I guess we all expect or hope for that.

04/17/2006 10:33:23 AM · #17

Originally posted by awpollard:

I use VP all the time. You mean we can't use those filters for challenges? (!)

ElGordo

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

04/17/2006 12:11:34 PM · #18

Mandy, I don't think it is a quality issue. Your photography is fine as well. All of us have a slump now and then where our efforts just do not excite the voters. (in my case that is a continuing condition) Just keep up the good work and don't be discouraged!

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

04/17/2006 12:29:57 PM · #19

Originally posted by mandyturner:

I use VP all the time. You mean we can't use those filters for challenges? (!)

Is that an oops? Or a question? I just checked them out and them are so cool filters, but they dont look very legal for basic editing at all. Would be cool if a few of them were though. I downloaded it and am going to install and play tonight when I get home.

MattO

theSaj

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/17/2006 12:48:23 PM · #20

Mandy, part of it the issue is that Canon's output files needs a fair amount of processing out of camera to really make them shine.

I notice that they seem to all be slightly de-saturated compared to Olympus & Nikon. Maybe that's what allows Canon to excel at high ISO levels. Who knows...

But I have found you often need to do some curves and and sharpening, etc. Just to get a photo to a decent level for entering.

*shrug*

Rooster

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 Aspherical for Canon

04/17/2006 12:56:38 PM · #21

hey mandy, can you post some of what you consider your best shots here. WE can all give it a go, critiquing your pix if you like. At least for me, it would make it easier to answer the questions you originally posted for this thread.