new at photography

please critique. i just got my first dslr (7d) and would like to get some help on what i can do to make these pics better. i'm pretty happy w/ them, but what do you guys think?

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I like the BW shot. That other thing (is that the rear end of a motorcycle...?) does not do much for me.

I think it's a helmet.. You will probably be best having the entire helmet in shot

I like the helmet shot. Makes me wonder if someone is inside that.

Would look awesome of the was a MX track behind it or someone launching into the air out of the visor part.

The B&W portrait is very nice. I like the subdued lighting quite a bit. While the DOF is nice for this shot, it looks a bit like focus was on her cheek rather than her eye?

Not so much in love with the shot of the helmet. I agree that this may have been more well served framing a little 'looser'. If it's sitting on the back of a bike, maybe even framed to include a bit of the bike itself? Not really sure about this one - it would take some playing around (at shooting time) to make it work.

FelixDeSouze wrote in post #9480936
I think it's a helmet.. You will probably be best having the entire helmet in shot

yes, it's a helmet. i'll try getting the whole helmet in next time and post it up here.

elysium wrote in post #9480975
I like the helmet shot. Makes me wonder if someone is inside that.

Would look awesome of the was a MX track behind it or someone launching into the air out of the visor part.

that's a great idea about the MX track in the background. we were actually out in the desert and the helmet was sitting on the back tailgate of a truck. any other angled pics i got included parts of the truck, which i didn't like.

RandyS wrote in post #9481016
The B&W portrait is very nice. I like the subdued lighting quite a bit. While the DOF is nice for this shot, it looks a bit like focus was on her cheek rather than her eye?

Not so much in love with the shot of the helmet. I agree that this may have been more well served framing a little 'looser'. If it's sitting on the back of a bike, maybe even framed to include a bit of the bike itself? Not really sure about this one - it would take some playing around (at shooting time) to make it work.

i like the B&W also. it was a candid shot, inside an RV. if i remember correctly, i don't think i was really paying attention to the single point focus box. i guess that's what happens when your a noob. i'll make sure to focus on the eye the next time i'm out shooting.

jonahrei wrote in post #9481262
y...

i like the B&W also. it was a candid shot, inside an RV. if i remember correctly, i don't think i was really paying attention to the single point focus box. i guess that's what happens when your a noob. i'll make sure to focus on the eye the next time i'm out shooting.

It doesn't just happen to n00b's.

Don't ask me how i know

Great shots for a noob!

I like the helmet shot as it is - it makes you think about the shot which is good.

The B+W portrait is great too. Nice subtle lighting and a good conversion.

Hello..I also am pretty new to Photography..I have owned a Canon G3 for years but I am going to purchase the Canon 7D..Does anyone suggest buying the pre made kits that includes lens or purchase lens separate..I travel a lot for work and take most of my pics of people, buildings, really anything..Nothing in particular...Any suggestions to a good all around lens for a starter would be great...Thanks..

Goofyguy wrote in post #9482476
Hello..I also am pretty new to Photography..I have owned a Canon G3 for years but I am going to purchase the Canon 7D..Does anyone suggest buying the pre made kits that includes lens or purchase lens separate..I travel a lot for work and take most of my pics of people, buildings, really anything..Nothing in particular...Any suggestions to a good all around lens for a starter would be great...Thanks..

Why buy the most expensive to start out? I would try the 30D or 40D.they are relatively cheap, and you can hone your skills before you decide on what you "need" as opposed to what you can handle.

Mike wrote in post #9482256
Great shots for a noob!

I like the helmet shot as it is - it makes you think about the shot which is good.

The B+W portrait is great too. Nice subtle lighting and a good conversion.

Thanks Mike!!

btw, what do you mean by conversion? if you mean converted to B&W, actually that was straight out of the camera in standard mode. i'm guessing the lighting was just right at that moment. i have a few other's of the same person that are very similar. it was shot inside an RV before the sun went down.

jonahrei wrote in post #9482547
Thanks Mike!!

btw, what do you mean by conversion? if you mean converted to B&W, actually that was straight out of the camera in standard mode. i'm guessing the lighting was just right at that moment. i have a few other's of the same person that are very similar. it was shot inside an RV before the sun went down.

It must have been in B&W standard then, because straight out of camera would have shown color , not?

Oh well, if that's the B+W that the camera makes I'm still impressed! I never shoot B+W on camera - everything is in colour and if I want it in B+W I convert it using software such as Adobe Lightroom.

Mike wrote in post #9482859
Oh well, if that's the B+W that the camera makes I'm still impressed! I never shoot B+W on camera - everything is in colour and if I want it in B+W I convert it using software such as Adobe Lightroom.

yeah, i should probably do the same, as far as shooting in color and converting to B&W. thanks for the tip!

Flo wrote in post #9482720
It must have been in B&W standard then, because straight out of camera would have shown color , not?

sorry about that, yes that's what i actually meant. B&W straight from the camera.