First Post....ever

Ok, a good friend of mine suggested that I post a pic or two...or four for CC. Pretty sure it's because he's sick of me asking sooo many questions. Anyways, Im totally new to the whole photography thing (just bought my first SLR about three month ago). This being said, Im posting a couple of pics and would really appreciate any advice that can be offered. My goal is to be able to take pics that Im proud of and can hang on my wall.

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3rd shot is crazy

I really like the last one a lot! The dark blue sky contrasting with the brick is just great.

I would like to see a little more 'pump' in the first one though.

These just don't work for me. The first one doesn't even have any color.. and the second has a huge bolt it it and it's very distracting. I'd clone out the birds in the third one, they're way too distracting and don't add anything to the image. The sky is way underexposed in the second.. you should just start over.

Feihung08 wrote in post #4966233
I really like the last one a lot! The dark blue sky contrasting with the brick is just great.

I would like to see a little more 'pump' in the first one though.

-Thanks for taking time to look at them! I really appreciate the help.

Kagemaru wrote in post #4966279
These just don't work for me. The first one doesn't even have any color.. and the second has a huge bolt it it and it's very distracting. I'd clone out the birds in the third one, they're way too distracting and don't add anything to the image. The sky is way underexposed in the second.. you should just start over.

Ouch, well all righty then. Uh thanks!

Kagemaru wrote in post #4966279
These just don't work for me. The first one doesn't even have any color.. and the second has a huge bolt it it and it's very distracting. I'd clone out the birds in the third one, they're way too distracting and don't add anything to the image. The sky is way underexposed in the second.. you should just start over.

That's killin me...I almost spit out my mouth full of water!

Kagemaru wrote in post #4966279
These just don't work for me. The first one doesn't even have any color.. and the second has a huge bolt it it and it's very distracting. I'd clone out the birds in the third one, they're way too distracting and don't add anything to the image. The sky is way underexposed in the second.. you should just start over.

HAHAHA!! Your such a DICK!!! LOL

Welcome to the board Travis.

There's a lot to learn on this site but be careful for bad advice. This is not a professional forum so take advice and critique with a grain of salt.

#1 I agree with the postsaying a little more in front of the pump.
#2 Nice DOF. It leaves you wondering what it is though. A nice shot over all.
#4 I like this one best. You even caught it with no cars on the street. Thats tough by itself.
Welcome to the forum.

#1 is cool, I like the B&W conversion
#2 doesnt really do anything for me
#3 is really cool!
#4 is great also. I like the deep Blue sky and the contrast between that and the bricks as said earlier!

Good first Post! Welcome to POTN

i actually find #1 to be the most interesting shot of the bunch. the one thing that may have helped would have been to have some fill flash on the "uinion oil dealer" and 76 signs. I think it would have helped emphasize a focal point.

I like your composition and lighting a lot, especially on the first B&W image. The only area that I would suggest doing differently on #1, #2, and #4 is to keep the camera closer to level. The camera is tilted upwards (i.e., the lens LOS axis is not horizontal). There is no rule that says that you can't do this, but I think that it should be minimized in cases where it does not enhance the composition. Also, in #1, it looks like the camera is rolled CW about the LOS axis. The upwards tilt is a minor thing, but the roll from level is more of a problem.

I don't know what the foreground in #2 is (I'm fairly certain that it is not bolts), but it does make an interesting frame for the mountains in the distance.

I think that #4 is great. I like the angle that you shot the building from and the well balanced colors.

I am still thinking about #3. I am a former pilot and everything about this scares me: low altitude, poor visibility, mountain dead ahead, about to encounter multiple bird strikes, and airport still not in sight (not to mention the steeple that is about to take off the right wing). It could be a bad ending to a bad day. I don't think that I can be objective about that one.

Travis,

Don't forget your wireless flashes next time! And your ladder...

Kagemaru wrote in post #4966715
Welcome to the board Travis.

There's a lot to learn on this site but be careful for bad advice. This is not a professional forum so take advice and critique with a grain of salt.

Thanks for the advice. Are you saying that I shouldnt listen to you about a ladder and wireless lighting. You know that Im going to look up what those are after Im done here.
Im so going to punch Rich in the neck for telling you that I posted to this site!