New to DLSR ... feedback appreciated

[NoFitState]

So i finally feel like i'm getting the hang of working a DSLR, but I'm aware my compisition still needs a LOT of work.

Any helpful hints on how I could have improved any of the photos below, or just feedback on what people think. Thanks

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/4119592918_3068bf1d2a.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/4119592594_1b68344a94.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/4118820315_349a425cf7.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4118820943_3a3fba9a49.jpg

[lundgrenj]

1 is not straight.
2 lacks a subject (at least an interesting one)

But I'm being picky.

[Robert_Lay]

#1 is seen as an architectural subject. Such subjects have certain things taken for granted, such as having a foundation (not floating in space) and vertical verticals (that's the problem here).

#2 Close ups or macros have their own idiosyncracies - the most common being insufficient depth of field. You have to have a lot of light in order to get the depth of field needed, and as a result, a tripod is often needed.

#3 is quite interesting, has good composition and lighting and a good exposure.

#4 is too centered. moving it onto one of the one thirds dividing line intersections will help.

[stsva]

If you go to the Quicklinks menu at the top of the POTN page and open it, then click on "Edit Profile" and select "Yes" in the "Image edit and repost permission" section, people will be able to edit your posts to give you a better idea of what they are suggesting about your shots.

[NoFitState]

1 is not straight.
2 lacks a subject (at least an interesting one)

But I'm being picky.

Picky is good. I would rather have honest opinions and learn something :)

#1 is seen as an architectural subject. Such subjects have certain things taken for granted, such as having a foundation (not floating in space) and vertical verticals (that's the problem here).

#2 Close ups or macros have their own idiosyncracies - the most common being insufficient depth of field. You have to have a lot of light in order to get the depth of field needed, and as a result, a tripod is often needed.

#3 is quite interesting, has good composition and lighting and a good exposure.

#4 is too centered. moving it onto one of the one thirds dividing line intersections will help.

Thanks for the details tips robert. Much appreciated :)


If you go to the Quicklinks menu at the top of the POTN page and open it, then click on "Edit Profile" and select "Yes" in the "Image edit and repost permission" section, people will be able to edit your posts to give you a better idea of what they are suggesting about your shots.

Done. I didn't realise this was an option in the forums! Thanks

[Martin Dixon]

3 is best - complies with rule of 3rds. Amazing how well and often this simple rule works.

[stsva]

Here's a shot at a crop of #2 to put more emphasis on the primary subject while balancing it with the frond on the right. Try to frame your shots of things like this to get a close-up look that uses the "rule of thirds" http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds and so that the various parts of the composition are balanced http://photoinf.com/General/KODAK/guidelines_for_better_photographic_composition_bal ance.html.

[stsva]

There are a number of ways you could frame/crop #4; here's one way.

[Robert_Lay]

There are a number of ways you could frame/crop #4; here's one way.
Good crops by stsva!

[NoFitState]

Wow, thanks Stsva. It's amazing how much more 'focused' these images feel with some of the background cropped out.

Time to read up on those links you posted!