A couple from today...what to know to get better

[mxracer535]

These are a couple of shots i took today. Nothing great and honestly im not happy with the way they came out, so i what to hear what you guys think. I've only been shooting for a couple months now and dont get out too often. So lets hear it (and dont be affarid of hurting my feelings lol)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/3439084409_0d1ec088c9.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3439097649_c244a83701.jpg

[DerekSimon]

Composition is definately an issue with both of these shots. I do like the Black & White conversation but the subjects aren't clear.

First picture - Has way too many elements in it. At first sight, my eyes become confused, meaning not one subject stands out for me.

Second one - Also is slightly confusing in regards to the tire markings being clearly in focus in the foreground. My eyes goes straight to that and then eventually to the rest of the shot.

[Robert_Lay]

In #1 it needs some foreground interest - that is, something closer to the camera than the trees. As it is, it is too 2-dimensional. The appearance of 3-D is enhanced by having significant elements in each - foregrond, middle ground and far distant.

The scene is rendered too dark - the shadows are too deep.

In #2 the composition does not need all that sky - about half that much sky would suffice.

[stathunter]

Sometimes a shot is just bland. From my quick look at the photos I think the first one may have been better if there was nothing in the background--- where the focus is on the tree in the front-- making it more dramatic -- which would require more pp work (sharpening/burning etc)
The second photo might have been better if you were lower to the ground (yea I know it is dirty laying on the ground) but it would have focused the attention on the road vs being soo busy. EDIT-- I agree with Bob-- maybe if you crop out 90% of the sky this might accomplish this. -- let me take a quick edit and show you what I am thinking on both.

EDIT -- ok- I grabbed them and did a VERY quick edit-- and because I did not want to take much time I did minor edits and HDR........

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/3439084409_0d1ec088c9_fhdr.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g303/stathunter/3439097649_c244a83701_fhdr.jpg

[mxracer535]

Thanks guys for your impute. I agree with you guys that there is too much going on, in both pictures. Things always look better im my head then they do when i actually take the shot.

As far as the second one, i agree that the sky needs to be cropped out as its just empty space...stathunters edit with the clouds looks a lot better IMO tho