Federkeil wrote in post #2381632
Some days I get fabulous results doing the same things that I got poor results on the day before.
Suggestions:
1) Pay attention to your EXIF data. Compare the data from shots taken in similar circumstances (indoors, sunny day, cloudy day...) but with different results. Note the speed, aperture, focal length, ISO, flash-fire, picture mode, metering, and anything that is glaringly different when your shots differ.
2) Study the composition of the shots. Does the good shot place the components of the picture in better locations? How far away were you from your subject?"
3) Post your Good/Bad shots here and ask for critiques. Post the EXIF data as well since we'll be asking. Don't take it personal if no one responds or if we respond too honestly.
4) Look at other shots and ask the most basic questions. "Did you use a flash?" "What was your focal length?" "How did you meter the shot?" I advise sucking up to the photographer when you ask the question. "I can't seem to get my subject as wonderfully sharp as you did. What was your shutter speed and ISO on that shot?"
5) Keep coming back to the forum and read, read, read. I've picked up tips by paying attention to the conversations that surround the best shots.
6) Read the Glamour & Nude forum (if you're not shy about these things). Most of the photos in that gallery are studio shots, sure, but many are hand-held flash-on-camera shots being done by photographers who often use studio strobes. The non-studio shots are technically wonderful because so much of what they do to make the shot is well thought out. When that happens, I learn a great deal about posing, lighting, camera settings, and so forth. I've then turned around and tried to use what I've learned with my family with my every day shots.
These are good shots, by the way.
What are you using to produce these resized images? You'll get the most out of criticisms if you post at the upper limits of what is allowed here. Specifically, 800 pixels wide or high and less than 100K in size. Toy with the JPEG quality setting to get the largest size you can. Also, just after you resize your photo, do a "Sharpen." Resizing will blur the photo. A gentle sharpening gives me the best representation of the original photograph.
