FIRST RAW SHOTS (Please Critique)

[MAD DOG]

These are the first shots I have taken in RAW, and I have manipulated them in "RAW SHOOTER."

They also happen to be the first shots I have taken with my 70-200L f4.

Please feel free to criticise them as harshly, but as constructivly as you wish.

I am serious about trying to become better photographer and know that I have to be prepared to receive adverse as well as positive feedback if I am to succeed.


Shot 1: 10D, 70-200L@200mm, at f5.6 1/180sec
Shot 2: 10D, 70-200L@200mm, at f4 1/90 sec

[MAD DOG]

I was kind of hoping someone might have told me if I was heading in the right direction with the processing of these images, which were taken in RAW.
They are the only 2 I have ever done.
I'm sorry that the subject matter isn't more interesting.
I'll try and get out in the next day or two and try and shoot something a little more exciting in RAW.

[GyRob]

i know nothing about raw but to me these shots seem a bit flat,i added a bit of curves,brightness and contrast and usm Not saying im right here.
Rob

[PhotosGuy]

Those look OK. The first could use a bit more contrast as Rob said - if he posted a adjusted pic, I don't see it.
On the 2nd I'd crop off the top to get rid of the dark areas that are distracting. If you've already cropped these, I'd leave a little more room in front of them so they can "swim into" the pic.
Keep at it.

[MAD DOG]

Have had another go with respect to both.

Both images were posted without any cropping.

I had actually intended to crop those dark areas out of pic1 before posting and completely forgot to do it. :oops:

I'll leave a little more rome for them to swim into next time.

Not sure if I might have gone to far with pic1.

[PhotosGuy]

Not sure if I might have gone to far with pic1. A bit. You're losing detail in the feathers on it's back. Did you use the "Highlight Contrast" slider?

[MAD DOG]

Thanks Photosguy,

Crazy isn't it? I look and I can see I've taken it to far, but still haven't got my head into that analytical frame of mind that says "What's not right?"

I think I've been lazy and must start reviewing any alterations more critically before I decide to post.

It's actually staring me in the face, if I'd just looked.

Thanks soo much for taking the time to show an interest.

[aam1234]

I haven't tried raw before...well, I did once. So can't help you there.

Do you want comments other than about raw. I have a couple.

[MAD DOG]

I am VERY happy to receive any comments that will help me improve.
Feel free to be as critical as you wish. As I say, it's the only way to improve!

[aam1234]

Hi MAD DOG,

I'm as noob as you are, so don't take my opinion very seriously :D

You have very nice pics there. Will comment on the first only.

I would crop it somewhat differently. Lower from the top, but leave more space at the bottom. You have very nice reflection there!

I would also leave more space in front of that cute duck.

[MAD DOG]

Yes I think you are right on both accounts.
Photosguy said more space for it to swim into as well.
I've only had my camera since December and 'am only just getting into photography, despite being 40 (Ouch!).
I'm reading as many books and magazines as I can in order to build up a decent knowledge base that I can then work with.
I thank you for the time you have taken to look at, and comment on my efforts.
I shall be keeping my eyes open for your posts to see how you are getting on.

[aam1234]

Rule of thirds is really good. The Greeks found it out many many centuries ago, and it's still being used. So it must be good. Try it sometime.

[R.T.]

Mad Dog, I'm not qualified to critique your work but I will say I really like the first pic. I like the fact that there's no ripples in the water which to me looks like the duck likes having it's picture taken. lol Well, maybe not, but I still think it makes the pic more interesting. :lol:


The other duck is so ugly he's cute, lol. But I like the shot, so be happy I'm even more of a rookie then you are! lol

[aam1234]

Ha ha, all rookies here...group hug...NOT! ha ha

[CappuccinoDavid]

You know what the first thing came to mind 'Lunch' lol , no you will understand soon why RAW is so nice. I done some pictures of a model the other day and the sun was giving me fits. But when I got back to my digital darkroom I could adjust my light the way it need to be. PhotoShop CS2 has it where you can work with raw format now. btw those are good fotos, just keep on shooting more and more...

[MAD DOG]

Thanks everyone.
Really nice to get feed back
aam1234 I have used the rule of thirds on quite a lot oh accasions, particularly with respect to landscapes and it does work well.
There are also many other rules that work equally as well eg. The golden rule.
I've spent some time now with my head in books and trawling the net, and have found some good instructional sites that cover composition as well as technique.
I'm loving the experience of learning something new which offers so much scope eg: portraits, landscapes, wildlife etc. etc. It's brill'.
Look forward to seeing everyones posts. Keep on snapping.

[Jonny]

When i first looked at this thread i thought you had posted one of my pics!
I scanned back through my library and found this one. They look like the same duck!

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/j.speed/Forums%20Pictures/duck.jpg

[MAD DOG]

No.

Your ducks a better duck than mine.

[GyRob]

dont know if this is a good ider but i only shoot jpegs, could you not shoot Raw And jpeg then play around with the jpeg till it looks about right then try simaler sort of settings on your Raw shots could save you time waiteing for the convertion . just a thought.
Rob.

[PhotosGuy]

could save you time waiteing for the convertion It takes less than 1/2 minute in a cheap XP, & does it in the background while you adjust another pic.