Critique for school assignment

Hello. I'm currently enrolled with NYIP and I have completed my first unit. For the photo projects we had to do three photos of which I've only done 2 because the weather is so lousy. Please look at the attached 4 photos. We had to demonstrate Hyperfocal, Motion and Selective Focus. I only have hyperfocal and motion. Well, I had a bit of trouble with focusing, I don't know if it is my eyesight or the fact that is was like 15 degrees and I was freezing cold! So this is what I have come up with. Please let me know if you think I should re-take them and tell me what is wrong. I do have one idea on the hyperfocal which is the branches on the left. The assignment was to show near to far. I cannot get the whole tree because I was on a bridge so I think this may be wrong. Anyway, I really appreciate any help you can offer. I feel like I've been trying for so long to get the hang of this LOL.

Thanks again!
Chris

Two other motion shots.

Well I knew they were bad but I didnt think they were that bad......The only reason I posted them here is because I thought this was how to learn. Well, I guess I'll retake them.....Thanks

chris

The first one isn't that bad... actually I kind of like it because I know exactly what the photo is of. But I feel like something in it is just kinda off.. there is something crooked about the picture.. it feels weird... can't explain it 100%

Personally (this is just me) On the 2 and 3 I would have used a faster shutterspeed to capture the water OR go with a slower speed (using a tripod) to get that blur effect.

To me it seems a little bit out of focus.

I just got the same NYIP course and I live in Western New York as well... maybe I'll see you out and about.

welcome to POTN and good luck with your course. the first one is an good idea... but the trees on the left side distract from the composition. there's just not a lot of color anywhere.. and to me it does look a little tilted. Just my two cents.. Keep posting... looking forward to seeing more from you...Sari.

Hey a fellow Western NY'er! You know....I felt the same way about these pictures. I am definately going to retake them. You are right, it is crooked...I tried to straighten it LOL. I have not a clue what I am doing! LOL but I AM trying. Thank you so much for taking a look. Yes, we may bump into each other along the way. I was thinking of going over to Fort Erie and trying to get the Buffalo skyline and then to NF Ontario to get the Falls at night. Thanks again! Hope to see you around!

Chris

Thanks Sari! Yes, it is a bit "dull". That has been one of my obstacles! Every thing is gray right now . Thank you so much for taking a look! Going to retake these assignments, at least the hyperfocal for sure!

Chris

I'm doing the NYIP course too and I can tell you exactly what they'll say about the first picture. It does encompass the effect in which they are looking for to a degree. But they want to see something much closer to you in relation to the buildings in the distance. Perhaps the bridge's railing or even better... set the camera up on the tripod, frame the shot so that you can get yourself into the frame and use YOU for the near element of the near/far picture. That is what they are looking for. Something to demonstrate a sweeping DOF. Also, use of a wide angle lens may be ideal for that shot too. The motion shot should have more motion. I like the idea of rushing water looking like it's rushing. I think what you did looks good though and they will tell you that as well. You did manage to get the spirit of the assignment but based on the feedback I got on my photos of this assignment I think the advice I give will fall into line with what they will say as well. Good luck with it.

Thanks for the heads up! Your right and I am definately going to retake these pics for this assignment. I think I am also going to wait just a bit more for the weather to turn around. What unit are you on now?

Thanks again!
Chris

I'm waiting for unit two to arrive in the mail. It's been a few weeks since I sent in unit one and I just got those back last week.