First time posting.

I would just like some critique on my first couple of shots on my new xti.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

Nice captures of your friends! POTN has a lot to offer through sharing information and photos with each other.

I think #3 is the best shot by far. The lighting is not bad; the exposure is very good; the color balance seems to be right, and the subjects are casual but well posed.

I especially like her smile and the fact that the lighting is pretty good for bringing out her facial contours.

#1 comes across as a little silly, and #2 is more of a postcard shot. It needs something to give the viewer something to think about.

The little Mohawk is a very nice shot, and the lighting on him is good.

Congratulations!

poppie guy wrote in post #5838559
Nice captures of your friends! POTN has a lot to offer through sharing information and photos with each other.

Thanks. The 20-ish couple is my brother and future sister in law. The little kids are cousins.

Robert_Lay wrote in post #5838562
I think #3 is the best shot by far. The lighting is not bad; the exposure is very good; the color balance seems to be right, and the subjects are casual but well posed.

I especially like her smile and the fact that the lighting is pretty good for bringing out her facial contours.

#1 comes across as a little silly, and #2 is more of a postcard shot. It needs something to give the viewer something to think about.

The little Mohawk is a very nice shot, and the lighting on him is good.

Congratulations!

So I am not a terrible amateur photographer?
I am planning on getting a lot better and possibly shooting my brothers engagement/ reception pictures. I am going to upgrade my gear a little more before then. Right now im shooting an Xti w/ grip; 18-55mm, 70-300mm, and a cheap ebay hotshoe flash.
I plan on buying a new lense and a new flash. What would you suggest for engagement pictures and reception shots?

zelseman wrote in post #5839329
Thanks. The 20-ish couple is my brother and future sister in law. The little kids are cousins.


So I am not a terrible amateur photographer?
I am planning on getting a lot better and possibly shooting my brothers engagement/ reception pictures. I am going to upgrade my gear a little more before then. Right now im shooting an Xti w/ grip; 18-55mm, 70-300mm, and a cheap ebay hotshoe flash.
I plan on buying a new lense and a new flash. What would you suggest for engagement pictures and reception shots?

I would suggest that for those types of shooting you want some synchronization devices to fire additional lighting in sync with the camera flash.

The lenses you have are more than adequate. The grip was a good investment. If you get really flush with money, you could get a 50 mm prime lens with f/1.4 or at least f/1.8 for low light level shots.