Need Help w/pics... newbie all the way!!!

[jackies35]

I don't have a Canon 350d, 30d, or any Dslr. I am planning on buying one later this summer. However, I have the Canon A520 and some sunlight and I am learning as much as I can (reading and taking phot classes)... So, please bare with me.

2- What's a good photo editing program to clean up this picture? I think his nose was running...
3- Do you like B&W or color?
4- please give me feedback - Comments, correction, all is well and appreciated.

Please be gentle or I will cry....

Next set of photos are below.

[jackies35]

Here is the next pic! His little brother...
Now do I remove the shadow i created off his face??? Boy, am I stupid or what??

[jackies35]

Here are the last two pics i promised you.... I can't remove the shadow.

[shadowwolf]

I like the first B&W.....the last two with the photographer shadow doesn't do much for me....both look like fine young men.

[pompano64]

i generally like b and w best, but this time i like the secondshot. the collar frames his head well. the eyes look great and the contrast is much better iin the second shot.

[cargo123]

Your camera did a good job. I like the photos. I like the black and white. I used photoshop elements to adjust the picture. PS Elements usually comes free with the purchase of a camera. I used the layer adjustment and contrast, along with cloning under the nose. I hope you don't mind me adjusting the picture without your approval. Since you only had three post, I assumed you may not know that you can state editing is ok.

[Mao]

I like the first B&W. Note that in the other shot, if you level yourself to the kids eyes, the photo will enhance a lot! Also, try to play with the sun rays because it's the best source of light!! Welcome to the forum and don't hesitate to post whatever you want! Sometimes you won't get a single comment, sometimes you will have a lot!!! Keep doing it and you will see how you improve with time!!

[song4themoon]

I dont like the first b&w because its just too grey in grey. Dark skin doesnt contrast very much in b&w and if the background isnt really light then its grey in grey like your picture. I prefer it in color.

The second would be very nice if there wasnt thats hadow and you cant really remove this anymore. Just keep shooting and pay attention to the light as you go. :)

[jackies35]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS!! YOU ALL ARE THE BEST!!

Very helpful site and i will keep shooting....

I just need a faster camera because the kids were a little tired of posing. I had to wait 15 to 20 seconds after each picture. I guess when i set the camera to Portrait or P mode, it need more time to create the pic. ( i am not sure why?)

Anyway, by the end of this month, i will be in school learning all i can about taking pictures. Wish me luck!!

And thank you all once again!!


Sorry about the shadow1 I am so stupid :( :o :cry:

[Lynn Minmei]

Here is the next pic! His little brother...
Now do I remove the shadow i created off his face??? Boy, am I stupid or what??

That light looked like it was around mid-day which is the worst time to try to take a outdoor pic. Try either in the morning or right at sunset. The light is generally not quite as intense. Also overcast, but sunny days are good. Had the little guy been standing out of the shadow he would have more than likely been squinting, and you don't want that... the eyes are the window to the soul, and we like to see them :)

And you are NOT stupid. The only stupid question is one that is not asked. So don't be afraid to ask. Ask the same question three times if you need to. If you aren't sure what a certain setting does or something, take the pic anyway. You may be surprised :)