Mushroom. 18-55mm(kit lens)

I wish you had gotten in a lot closer here. This scene has a lot of potential. You have a lot of distracting items - especially the branch on the left hand side.
I would suggest you get a beanbag (or something to support the camera on the ground) and lay down on your belly and try shooting from that vantage point. Pay attention to everything in the frame as to avoid distraction. Move those element (or add things like leaves if necessary) to make the image that you really like.

I like your idea about getting down on my belly. Will try it next time.Thanks

Sometimes I feel like an idiot getting down on my belly (or other awkward positions) to get a shot, but the results can often be worth it in the end. I still haven't worked up the courage to approach strangers and ask to take a shot- it'll come.

The image looks very noisy on my screen. Is it because of the compression? If not you could go to ISO 200 next time and still get a shutter of 1/80.

Hi, YAh it is noisey. The original was real dark, could barely see it, I lightened it alot in PSE3. Think I over did it?? Plus I a newbie. I mess up alot.
Peace.

OK so the original was real dark and that is why the noise is present. You were using shutter priority as your camera setting which means you selected the shutter speed and the camera chose the appropraite aperture. Only problem is that the lens was wide open and the shot was still underexposed. My suggestion would be to use aperture priority next time, Av, and allow the camera to select the shutter speed for you. If the shutter speed is anything less than 1/focal length of the lens then you should use a tripod or somethiung else for bracing. Also in this case you could have upped the ISO and got a better exposure.

As far as being a newbie, I know what you mean, I still am. And I mess up alot also. But that is why you post in the critique section so that you can learn from others. Keep at it and keep asking wuestions.

OK, Got it. AV mode. SO... the ISO is the speed of what? In digital? In film I thought it was film speed.Thanks also for great advice.

It is the same here, but basically translate into the sensitivity of the sensor to capture light. So as in film, the higher the number, the higher the sensitivity.

Thanks for the info, one for the note book. I really like this site and all the cool and informative people.

nice effort! tighter crop on the shroom would be good.. try to avoid too many needless clutter..

nice effort! tighter crop on the shroom would be good.. try to avoid too many needless clutter..