First shots

[Pauhana]

First shots off my 30D. Been out experimenting trying to learn how to use the camera.
Think the stick may take away from the bird? Seems to draw the eye to it?

[Too Distracted]

Well, I'm no self-proclaimed expert, but I'll share my impressions with you.

The bird shot is nice, yet there's a few things working against it. First, the angle you have on the bird is rather high, can't really see its intrinsically cool S-curved neck. Also, the fact that it's surroundings are pretty busy... stuff in the water and also the stick. It does make the eye dart - bird, foliage, bird, stick, bird, stuff in the water.

The tree branch made me feel sort of like the (leaves?)... a bit droopy and tired. The color is dampened, and there wasn't much to make one go "Wow!"

Keep shooting - there's so much on your side of the state to capture. As you get used to the camera, you'll be surprised how much more amazing your shots will get (which just feeds your urge to keep shooting!)

Thanks for sharing the pics. :)

[Tim Kostka]

On #2, I think you should either zoom out so you see more of the branch, or zoom in to see more detail on the "leaves." It seems like you're in between those two shots and the little bit of branch you can see is distracting being so far on the outside of the frame.