Critics Wanted

[jsfpa]

I've been play around with photography for a while but would like to get a more serious about it. One area I can use help with is composition. Any help/pointers would be appreciated.

http://homepage.mac.com/jsfpamac/New%20Album/pictures/picture-2.jpg
Aperture: f14
Shutter Speed: 1/200

http://homepage.mac.com/jsfpamac/New%20Album/pictures/picture-1.jpg
Aperture: f11
Shutter Speed: 1/400

Thanks

[Robert_Lay]

The composition in #1 looks OK, but what about the lighting? I can't tell which way is North or what time of day it is, but doesn't it make more sense to try to get these buildings in direct sunlight instead of in shade? - assuming that's possible.

The #2 shot has far better lighting. The curving fence line is a positive effect in the composition, leading the eye to the barn and the pasture.

Very nice images!

[SubDude3000]

Try experimenting with lighting from early morning, and dusk.

Also look for something bold that sticks out from everything else in the photo.

[jsfpa]

Thanks for the comments. As far as the time of day it was about 6:30 in the evening and on the first shot I believe I was facing approx. North. The sun was of to my left. I think I'll try and go back in the morning next time and compare.

Thanks again for the input.

[Robert_Lay]

Thanks for the comments. As far as the time of day it was about 6:30 in the evening and on the first shot I believe I was facing approx. North. The sun was of to my left. I think I'll try and go back in the morning next time and compare.

Thanks again for the input.

OK
Even though you were looking at the south side of the buildings and would expect the sun to be in the south to light them up, the sun can be quite a bit north of West when it's near sunset. In other words, the south side of the buildings could be in shade as is obviously the case.
So, even in the morning, if it's early enough, the buildings could still be in the shade. However, I doubt that will be the case - especially if you wait until at least 9 am - you should have nicely lighted buildings, then.

[StewartR]

Both the photos have patches of shade on the grass that I found distratcting. In #1 it's the bottom right corner; in #2 it's on the right about 1/3 of the way up. I know getting the light right on the main subject can be hard enough with out worrying about extra complications like this, but I think in terms of composition one should always keep a look out for things that might distract the attention.

Hope this helps.

[tim]

I'm not sure what you're taking the photos of. I try and have something that's clearly the main subject of my photo in the shot. I don't do many landscapes though.

[jsfpa]

Both the photos have patches of shade on the grass that I found distratcting. In #1 it's the bottom right corner; in #2 it's on the right about 1/3 of the way up. I know getting the light right on the main subject can be hard enough with out worrying about extra complications like this, but I think in terms of composition one should always keep a look out for things that might distract the attention.

Hope this helps.

I see what your saying. Thanks, it's just the kind of input I'm looking for. Everybody's comments have giving something to think about on my next outing.