Newbie seeking critique

[bennyboy]

Hi

I'm new to photography (2 months) but I'm all ready addicted :) I've been using photoshop for about 2 years but the only thing I use it for when it comes to photography is cropping and light and colour levels.

I'm using a Powershot S1 at the moment (all the budget would allow).

I know you guys like to be told what area (lighting, compossure etc..) to critique but really I'm looking for as much help as I can get at this stage. Be as brutal as you want :)

Here are some of my favourite shots so far:

1. Out bush walking (Western Australia) at a beautiful place called John Forrest.
I've always liked these slow shutter speed shots
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/bennyboy1_5/Forum%20Pics/JaneBrook800.jpg

2. Perth Zoo. What a fantastic day! Warm and not a cloud in the sky. Obviously I had to take this shot through glass... Very dirty glass so I had to try and find a clean spot.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/bennyboy1_5/Forum%20Pics/Lion800.jpg

3. Perth Zoo again. Had to wait about 20 minutes for him to actually look at me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/bennyboy1_5/Forum%20Pics/Orang800_Edited.jpg

Thanks for taking the time. The site is awesome and I look forward to your comments.

:D :D :D :D

[bennyboy]

Anyone want to enlighten the newbie on why no one gave me a reply?

What did I do wrong? Pics to big? Too many pics? Pics are just plain happy snaps and not considered worthy of comment? :o :o

[defordphoto]

Welcome to the forum.

Suggestions:

Pic #1: Too close for my tastes. Discovering shooting moving water at slow shutter speeds is fun, but overdone in my opinion. In this case the green fern/bush that moved throws it off. Try letting the water be part of the scene, not the entire scene.

Pic #2: Fun shot. Nothing too special really, but nothing really wrong with it either.

Pic #3: There ya go! Now you're getting somewhere. Would have been neat to have a face closeup too if you have the glass for it. This is your winner shot.

Keep up the good work!!!

[bennyboy]

Hi

So much to learn... :confused:

Pic 2 is one of my favourites just because it's fun but I have to agree with you on it being nothing too special.

When I get a bit more confident I will post a few of the shots I'm not too sure about :)

Cheers for the suggestions Jim

[VegasGeorge]

1. I agree that the slow shutter is overdone, and I also think the shot may have been too close. More foreground with water and rocks would have made a better shot;

2&3. OK! You have a good eye for angle and moment to take animal pics. Both shots reveal a lot of character in your subjects. Give up landscapes, stick with wildlife (just kidding)!

[rick barclay]

Love number three. Eyes in focus are a must here, as you'll learn with experience.

[Hellashot]

I recommend you post larger images... twice the size you posted at least.

[CaseyScofield]

Hey Benny, nice shots.

Have to agree with the others on #1...back it up a bit, the top of the stream seems a little cut-off.

I like #2 the best myself, my eye flows well in that one.

#3 is good...seems a little blurred in spots...lots of shadows on the face. You might try adjusting the levels in photoshop, maybe tweak the curves a bit.

Good eye & angle as Vegas said!

[bennyboy]

Thanks very much for all your comments. I'll be having a go at the lighting in photoshop tonight and let you know how I go.

Cheers

[Bodryn]

I love shot #3. The wise old ape contemplating the state of the world dominated by an inferior species... :) Shot #2 is faintly humorous. That cat clearly very self-satisfied, or so it seems. Didn't see any noticeable effect of shooting thru window. I like it. Shot #1 didn't do much for me.

By the way, I loved Perth when I was there in 1988, courtesy of the Indian-Pacific. I thought that was the most beautiful city in Australia; and that white beach was gorgeous! You have weather like California but without the hordes of people.

[bennyboy]

Thanks for your thoughts Bodryn.

Yeah Perth is great. I can't imagine living anywhere else... maybe the Greek Isles... but Perth is still great. I just got back from the beach but it was a bit too windy for a swim.

Cheers

[roanjohn]

Yeah, the first shot is too tight..............back up a bit........include some trees.

The 2nd shot.........bad light..........the backlit background steals a lot of attention from you subject...........maybe some fill flash..........

3rd shot is cute.............

Practice makes perfect.

Ro1