C&C Please for the newbie!

[nwagirl]

Hi y'all I'm BRAND NEW to the whole real world of photography. Loved my lil point & shoot camera so I decided to upgrade and just got a Canon Rebel XTi. I've had it about a week. I love it but I really have no idea what I'm doing. :oops: I've been reading thru the manual several times but any info is greatly appreciated! :D

..thanks in advance..
(click)

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/7281/img0033xw8.th.jpg (http://img341.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0033xw8.jpg)

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/8957/img0030ao0.th.jpg (http://img158.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0030ao0.jpg)

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9346/img0049ty5.th.jpg (http://img341.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0049ty5.jpg)

[joedlh]

You must have gotten the mini model of the XTi. All of your images are 150 pixels on the long edge. I suggest that you bring it back to the dealer and ask him/her for the real people sized XTi.

Just joking. :D

Your images are difficult to evaluate because they are too small. From what I can tell, the exposure looks good. However, they are all too centered. Look up the rule of thirds. In short, give your subject more room on one side than the other.

What software did you use to create these images? You're allowed to go up to 1024 pixels on the long side and a size of 150 kb (last I looked), although a 1024 pixel image looks pretty bad in a 150 kb file in my opinion.

As for advice with your camera, put it on P mode and shoot away. Post your stuff (in a larger size) and consider the advice that you get in terms of working with other modes.

[Flo]

You did click on the images right Joe?

[Federkeil]

Have you heard of the rule of thirds? When your composing your picture, make an imaginary tic, tac, toe board and put your subject where the lines cross. Or at least a little off-set. It will usually give the picture more interest. (Not always) But I think it would have helped in your building shots. These two fence lines show the difference (sorry they are not the same aspect, I couldn't find anything better off-hand) in the first shot the fence post (subject) is close to center, in the 2nd it is offset. I like 2 better. I think most people would.

[chauncey]

Your images are all a little soft.

[PETERSYMES]

Get closer, lets see some detail in all that weathered wood (obviously not refering to the young ladies)

[nwagirl]

Yeah I see what yall mean about the images being too centered & soft. Thanks for the advice and I'll definitely be trying the tic tac toe method! =)

Sorry Joe, see I told you I didn't know what I was doing!! =)

Federkeil- those images are great.. I agree, I do like #2 better.



Thank You!

[Flo]

Get closer, lets see some detail in all that weathered wood (obviously not refering to the young ladies)
:lol::lol:

Yep, up close and personal is always better with folks.looking forward to your next post!

[joedlh]

Duh.:oops:

That's the first time I saw thumbnails on here. It's a better idea than loading up with lots of full size images.

[tonydee]

All three pics are pretty good. Definitely worthwhile for anyone new to photography to do a quick google for 'photography composition' and spend a few hours reading through various rules of thumb. Last one's interesting in that the scene involves very high dynamic range: hence the shadows are pretty much black while the sky's over exposed into featureless whiteness. Works ok anyway, and the roof line's quite interesting, but in general you'll want to be conscious of any areas of overexposure and underexposure - too much in the wrong places and the shot will suffer. You can see how much better the first two pictures look for having a nice blue sky visible....

Cheers,

Tony

[nwagirl]

LOL @ Joe..

Thanks for all the info I will definitely be googling photography composition and continue reading through the books I have. Also hearing some of this in 'real life people terms' is sometimes much easier to understand then what I've been reading so I appreciate all the input. Thanks again!

[shannyD]

welcome nwagirl. all it takes is some practice and reading. and more shooting. it happens all so fast.. one day your a newbie. the next day your photos look like you have been doing it for a long time.

have fun with it. and just enjoy what you are doing. if you still have the kit lens, its a great starter lens. if there is 80 dollas you wouldnt mind spending.. pick yourself up a 50mm 1.8 lens. you cant get any better than that for the price. and its worth every penny. its great for shooting inside, and great for portraits as well.

im the girl thats all about books. so if you want a quick guide to your camera.. pick up the field guide for it in the digital photography section of your books store. it shows you how to change setting on your camera the easy way. i found the owners manual to be a little too difficult to read. lol. plus i have the attention span of a gold fish.

have a great day and weekend.

shannon

[Belmondo]

Have you heard of the rule of thirds?

The 'Rule of Thirds' is really a recommendation. In photo composition, there are no hard and fast rules, especially if you're trying to achieve a certain effect. It's true, however, that putting the subject of the photo smack dab in the middle and shooting it straight on usually makes for a pretty uninspiring shot. All three of your shots would have benefited a great deal by moving a few feet one way or another, and moving the buildings/people a bit to the side of your frame.

Sometimes you have to play the cards your dealt, and sometimes you have to shoot the scene you're presented with. With experience, though you'll learn how to improve your chances of getting a pleasing composition by anticipating your finished product.

good efforts, and you'll do even better next time.