First Photo

[Prox]

My first photo with my new SLR :o

Any comment & criticism is welcome ... im here to learn!

[FotOz]

Allow me.
1. The first thing a judge will look for in a shot is impact.
Ask yourself - where is the impact? Does the shot grab you?
2. Secondly - is it sharp?
3. Third - how well is it lit? Can the lighting be improved?
4. Fourth - How is the composition?

Okay - if you're trying out your camera and lens, I suppose you have to start somewhere.
1. This shot has NO impact. It's a very bland and dull shot of an ornament.
2. It is reasonably sharp in the chest area of the bird but the tail end fails.
3. Lighting - for available light - hmmmmm! Average to dull. Could be more light on the front. Use a reflector.
4. And the composition. Too central and the stark contrast in the background kills it.

These are coments and critiques. Not criticisms. You have a new SLR - go forth and enjoy. Come back with more tests if you want more help.
Steve P - Oz

[Michaelmjc]

Looks not too bad for a first shot, What camera did you end up getting?

[Sekabin]

I disagree with the some of the critique given by Steve P. I think if this were a shot in an ornament magazine, it would have exactly the sort of impact required. The eye looks pretty much sharp to me, and the blurred tailed adds to the focus on the eye (which looking at the ornament is a key feature).

True the colour of the background could be different, but the line cutting down and leading through the eye is interesting composition.

A reflector on the front could have helped though.