C and C- Engagement of a friend

[najiabinader]

I just started photogrpahy, it's been 5 months.
A friend of mine got engaged, and asked me to take some photos.
I appreciate your comments.

1.
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs138.snc3/18567_384257825286_553455286_10346983_5793099_n.jp g

2.
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs158.snc3/18567_384258115286_553455286_10347025_1816623_n.jp g

3.
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs158.snc3/18567_384258125286_553455286_10347027_3353913_n.jp g

4.
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs158.snc3/18567_384258160286_553455286_10347033_1061270_n.jp g

5.
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs158.snc3/18567_384258235286_553455286_10347044_7975786_n.jp g

6.
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs138.snc3/18567_384258180286_553455286_10347037_5276749_n.jp g


7.
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs138.snc3/18567_384504055286_553455286_10349604_7631683_n.jp g

8.
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs138.snc3/18567_384504065286_553455286_10349605_5090031_n.jp g

[booboo]

where are the pictures??

[najiabinader]

where are the pictures??

Sorry i just uploaded them...

I'm new here :oops:

[sctbiggs]

I think the best are 4, 6 and 8. Unfortunately, the one not showing them, number 8 as the best. They appear to be out of focus or using to slow a shutter speed. Also, what I'm seeing could also be some web compression. Number 2 kills me... lol... his facial expression, posture and hand/arm position... makes him not look so straight.

[najiabinader]

I think the best are 4, 6 and 8. Unfortunately, the one not showing them, number 8 as the best. They appear to be out of focus or using to slow a shutter speed. Also, what I'm seeing could also be some web compression. Number 2 kills me... lol... his facial expression, posture and hand/arm position... makes him not look so straight.

Thank you for your comments. Remember, i'm new to the whole photography thing,plus i don't have good lenses. Over here in Lebanon, it costs double...(paid 190$ for the 50mm f/1.8 )
As for picture 8, that's true it's not showing them, but this is the best picture i have ever taken so far that's why i posted it...

[auroraskye]

First I will say this, we know you're new to photography, that's the first thing you said. You asked for C&C, please don't try and defend mistakes by saying you're new. Take the C&C and apply it to your next photo session. Nobody is trying to be mean.. :)

I don't think the photos are terrible. If you posted your EXIF if would help. What aperture did you shoot them at? The 50mm 1.8 is not a bad lens.. actually for the money and build, it takes pretty great pictures when you know how to use it. I've been shooting with it for a long time, and I finally upgraded to the 50mm 1.4. Don't blame your equipment for things being imperfect.

Here is the individual critique -

1 - I don't mind the composition, but her face does look soft and your blacks are badly clipped.

2 - The light in this is way harsh, your contrast is super high you can barely tell what is what and what is going on.. Clipped blacks.. his face looks soft too.

3 - It's fine I guess.. I don't love the processing, and I know it's different than what we'd expect over here... but it's just fine.

4 - Badly clipped blacks.

5 - I really like the idea behind this, and I think the composition is kind of cool. However, it also has softness issues, the blacks are clipped and the light is too harsh.

6 - Her expression is cute, but watch blocking necks.. it's good to have some neck exposed.

7 - It is a fine picture of candles lol. :)

My first overall piece of advice is this : watch your light. Shoot closer to sunset or sunrise. That doesn't cost any money. Second piece: Try shooting at f2.8, and don't shoot wide open quite yet (I am assuming that's what you did) Third advice: Consider calibrating.. I feel like perhaps your monitor is off and thats why you're clipping your blacks so bad.

Good luck!

[najiabinader]

Thanks a lot for the advice auroraskye! you're so kind!
i'm fine with the C&C! That's why i posted my pictures here! to learn.
Yes, most of the pics are shot wide at 1.8 or 2! next time i will shoot at 2.8!
All the photos were processed in LR 2. i guess i should work more on processing the pictures.
i have attached the non processed picture.
tell me what you think about it, and once again, thanks for the comments! Really appreciate it
Regards

[sctbiggs]

also helps get responses if you post larger pictures like that the first time.

[LeftSide]

6 is my favorite. Like Auro said, your blacks are badly clipped. Calibrating your monitor helps tremendously with pp.

[MichaelBernard]

6 is my favorite. Like Auro said, your blacks are badly clipped. Calibrating your monitor helps tremendously with pp.

x2.. A lot of newer folks figure, "Hey black is black right? Who cares if I make it deeper." And they just push that slider on over to the far right. Blacks are just as important as anything else in a pic. Detail detail detail. You can go deep without going overboard :)

[najiabinader]

Thank you guys for your kind comments!
for processing the pictures,i used a LR preset wich is "black and white high contrast", i'm guessing that's why my blacks are badly clipped.

[MichaelBernard]

Nothing wrong with presets, just tweak them and make your own formula :)

[monster696]

some of them still need to improved. But those are very nice for 5 months......

[KayakPhotos]

It looks like you are off to a great start and these are nicely composed, especially for someone just beginning with photography. My copy of the 50mm f/1.8 is soft until at least f/2.2. Copies may vary, but this could be the reason for the softness in a couple of these pics. If you are wanting to shoot at a wider f stop, I think that the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 is probably the best "bang for your buck" option for the XSi. Just an idea, but don't be afraid to use what you have until you have saved up some money. It is more important to have the skills than the gear!