New to SLR - Please critique...:)

[New2SLR]

Hello everyone -

I am new to SLR photography (if you can't tell from the username ... :)

Either way, I have been reading thru these forums for the last 3 weeks and have enjoyed the cander and experience shared by all.

Below are 2 images taken ealier today here in southern New Hampshire. I resized them down, but I am more than willing to post them in ful size if anyone wants to see them. Please critique as I believe that will be the only way I can get better :)

http://www.theledvinas.com/photo/CRW_0650_RJ_R.JPG
http://www.theledvinas.com/photo/CRW_0654_RJ_R.JPG

Thanks!!

- Joe L. (New2SLR)

[G3]

Did you shoot these digital, or are they film scans?

Both look a tad underexposed to me, and the saturation could be a little better on the top one.

Would you like some of us to make some PS adjustments and post or just make comments?

[New2SLR]

Both of the shots were taken with my Digital Rebel and then resized down to 25% of original size (only to save on space and upload time). If you wish, I will upload the originals.

I have the EXIF data on the pics as well if this may help (I shoot all pics in RAW mode for editting purposes).

What is better - Fixing the underexposure/saturation thru camera settings or thru PS after the shoot has taken place? If thru camera settings, which settings?

Thanks in advance!! :)

- Joe (New2SLR)

[G3]

Probably in the beginning, it's best to let the camera handle things until you get familiar with all of the options, controls, etc. Just use auto white balance and one of the program modes. Then start watching the exif data as you critique your own shots and you'll see how the camera "thinks" in certain situations. Then you'll know more how to use the options and controls.

It really better to try to get as close as you can to perfect exposure when you shoot, then you will tweak some in the RAW utility, and then do some post-processing in 16-bit tiff before you save to 8-bit jpeg.

[charlesu]

What is better - Fixing the underexposure/saturation thru camera settings or thru PS after the shoot has taken place? If thru camera settings, which settings?

Thanks in advance!! :)

- Joe (New2SLR)


Joe, this question is EASY. Get the exposure right in the camera first. The more things done right when the photograph is made, the better the picture will be overall and the less work you have to do later. This means experimenting with the camera. Learn ALL the tools and how and when to apply them. Sounds difficult but keep shooting and practising. It will come. One of the best tools is the histogram display. Use that as you review your images and it will help you learn a LOT about how your camera is capturing different lighting situations.