New photos after some practice

I managed to get out for a photo drive the other day. I tried a few things that a friend suggested to improve clarity and sharpness in my photos. How did I do?

Looks fine to me but expansive landscape shots are not the best for testing sharpness.

Instead of obsessing about sharpness, finding a compelling subject would be time better spent. There isn't a whole lot of visual interest in either photo.

Woolburr wrote in post #14098256
Instead of obsessing about sharpness, finding a compelling subject would be time better spent. There isn't a whole lot of visual interest in either photo.

Alrighty then. This type of scene does appeal to me Woolburr and to other people. I am looking for CC on my sharpness not on the scene that I captured thanks.

GOBIGRED wrote in post #14097801
Looks fine to me but expansive landscape shots are not the best for testing sharpness.

Thanks for you comment Gobigred. I've already tested my lens for the best f stop for sharpness. I was working on getting my photos sharp from top to bottom. I'll be more specific next time.

Lonestarlady61 wrote in post #14098569
Alrighty then. This type of scene does appeal to me Woolburr and to other people. I am looking for CC on my sharpness not on the scene that I captured thanks.

A razor sharp image of nothing is still just that. Maybe we just aren't following what you are trying to accomplish. Are you trying to get everything in the image in focus? If so, then you need to study up on hyperfocal distance. Here is a good link. http://www.dofmaster.c​om/hyperfocal.html

Lonestarlady61 wrote in post #14098569
I am looking for CC on my sharpness not on the scene that I captured thanks.

I am new at this so don't put a lot of stock in what I say.... I have had success with landscapes by using f8 - 11, composing the shot, then move the camera down and focus on a point one third of the way from the bottom. Hold the button half way, recompose and make it go click.

Woolburr wrote in post #14098652
A razor sharp image of nothing is still just that.

Back in the old days when I was living in Japan, I got my first "real" camera, a Canon F-1, I was obsessed with sharpness. One day an old Japanese photographer told me almost exactly the same thing.

magoosmc wrote in post #14098830
I am new at this so don't put a lot of stock in what I say.... I have had success with landscapes by using f8 - 11, composing the shot, then move the camera down and focus on a point one third of the way from the bottom. Hold the button half way, recompose and make it go click.

That is the quick and dirty method of employing hyperfocal distance to an image and generally provides acceptable results.

I'd say you have an acceptably sharp image. Landscapes are difficult images for judging sharpness, though. Especially when most of the objects like trees are so far away. Try shooting a scene with something closer. Preferably something with some detail in it.

One way to check your sharpness is to look at your full image at 100% (also known as pixel peeping). Just don't be too picky, especially considering your current lens collection. All of them are good lenses, but they're not going to wow you with pixel peeping sharpness.

You may consider shooting ducks.

Ducks offer a good measure of sharpness in an image. Surely you can find ducks?

They look good to me - I like those wide open spaces but prefer warmer images - but I agree, not the best subject for sharpness whether testing the lens or honing your ability. There are just too many variables involved in landscapes.

I would suggest doing some simple tests from a tripod in the yard to insure the lens is doing its job and then shoot your pictures.

Kechar, if I went and took a shot of myself in the mirror, it would be a copy of your avatar. I just showed it to my wife and she said, "Why is he using a picture of you?"

Freaky.:p

Woolburr wrote in post #14098256
Instead of obsessing about sharpness, finding a compelling subject would be time better spent. There isn't a whole lot of visual interest in either photo.

I would Disagree, If you do not find this landscape compelling then you might be somewhat sheltered. And/or you find the vacancy of the Midwest boring. I myself.. find it vacantly satisfying! but eah if you wanna test sharpness then do it on some closer objects. Landscapes are always more misty.

M_Six wrote in post #14100339
Kechar, if I went and took a shot of myself in the mirror, it would be a copy of your avatar. I just showed it to my wife and she said, "Why is he using a picture of you?"

Freaky.:p

My deepest sympathies to you both!

As far as the pictures go sharpness wise, I wonder if the OP has sharpened these pictures in post processing - if not then they should be sharpened because all digital images are somewhat intentionally blurred in camera.