1st time poster...

[shadowwolf]

...but I've lurked around here in the past.

I've recently taken a couple of landscape views that I'm pleased with and was wondering what folks here would have to say about them. I currently use a Canon G5...basically it has been my primer for digital photography and I plan to upgrade to a Canon Digital Rebel XT with a couple of lenses (28-135 IS USM & 100 2.8 macro)...I've pretty much taught myself via trial and error but each time I go out it seems I manage to capture a few photos that please me. For the first time I've mustered the courage to offer a couple for y'alls review...but be kind in your comments I'm old and feeble and easyily hurt.....:lol:

http://members.cox.net/shadowwolf/west2flagstaff05_41406.jpg

http://members.cox.net/shadowwolf/hwy9603_41406.jpg

[sparker1]

Welcome to the forum. NM is a great place for photography, so you should have lots of incentive to practice. These shots are pretty good. I like the windmill framed by the rocks. Both shots might need just a bit more contrast, but that's a matter of personal taste.

[DxHatchback]

welcome

from what i could see the pictures look pretty good, but i think you should edit and resize them

[shadowwolf]

Welcome to the forum. NM is a great place for photography, so you should have lots of incentive to practice. These shots are pretty good. I like the windmill framed by the rocks. Both shots might need just a bit more contrast, but that's a matter of personal taste.

Thanks for the feedback it is much appreciated...I use PS Elements 3.0 for editing and seldom do much more than a bit of shadow/highlight adjustment...sometimes a color cast adjustment....other than that all I normally do is crop and resize. I agree that my neck of the woods does offer some very nice landscapes to practice on but I think a upgrade in my equipment and more experience will help me capture better photos.

[shadowwolf]

welcome

from what i could see the pictures look pretty good, but i think you should edit and resize them

What more would you suggest in regard to editing....and below are resized versions along with a decent macro ... as stated above I use PS Elements 3.0 and normally I edit my shots very little. I could use any assistance you could offer.

[shadowwolf]

...and the Flagstaff view resized...

[shadowwolf]

I thought I'd also attach a black&white version of the windmill....I think I like the black&white much better. If there is more I can do to improve the quality via editing with the software I have available please offer suggestions....its the best way for me to learn how to improve.

[rssfhs]

I think the barbed wire shot is really good! In the windmill photo however, the subject isn't clear enough for my taste. I think you should zoom in much closer, because there is too much competition from the other elements in the photo.

[weemannie]

Welcome to the forums. :D Nice shots overall, although I agree with Stan and think that the contrast is a bit lacking.
You mention that you are self taught, which is what most of us are. Its how we learn. Personally, the same applies to editing. There are tons of tutorials on the web which can help show you what tools are available and how they work. The trouble is that, with topics like sharpening they all seem to contradict each other. Some say leave it until the end others that you should sharpen at 3 different stages! I ended up less confident about sharpening my images than I was before I started researching the subject.
Experiment and post your results here. There are some very good photographers on this site who will be pleased to offer critique.

[shadowwolf]

I think the barbed wire shot is really good! In the windmill photo however, the subject isn't clear enough for my taste. I think you should zoom in much closer, because there is too much competition from the other elements in the photo.

Thanks...I liked the wire shot myself....it was taken as a after thought. I saw it and focused.....wasn't intending to get a macro at the time but it did turn out decent. As for the clutter....driving down the road this windmill is visable for just a short distance and I was actually tryin' to get the view of the mill between the rocks. I've got to admit the actual sight is much better than the photo.

[shadowwolf]

Welcome to the forums. :D Nice shots overall, although I agree with Stan and think that the contrast is a bit lacking.
You mention that you are self taught, which is what most of us are. Its how we learn. Personally, the same applies to editing. There are tons of tutorials on the web which can help show you what tools are available and how they work. The trouble is that, with topics like sharpening they all seem to contradict each other. Some say leave it until the end others that you should sharpen at 3 different stages! I ended up less confident about sharpening my images than I was before I started researching the subject.
Experiment and post your results here. There are some very good photographers on this site who will be pleased to offer critique.

Thanks for the response....that is the primary reason I've decided to offer some of my humble efforts. I try to keep my editing simple and to a minimum.....I use Photoshop Elements 3.0 and seldom do much more than adjust shadows/highlights and sometimes sharpen just a bit. Now and then maybe a color cast removal........as I progress in the hobby I learn as I go.

[wrphhi]

Welcome Shadowwolf. I really like the color version of the windmill and also the crop. I think the B&W is a little flat. The barbed wire is also an excellent shot. If you're new to PP, I strongly recommend Scott Kelby's book, The Photoshop Elements 3 Book for Digital Photographers. The book is easy to understand and gives you step by step instructions for many edits. Its well worth the money. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0321269055/104-2030119-1476704?v=glance&n=283155

[Suedezu]

Welcome Shadowwolf!

I like the photo with the windmill. I also like what the others did post-processing it.

Looking forward to seeing your photos!

This is the best fotography forum!

[Becca]

Welcome to the forum! I like the color version of the windmill best. Keep shooting, I look forward to your future posts.