just starting out

[brizzy]

Hi there,

I am very new to photography and was wondering if I could get some suggestions as to how to improve my photos. On the whole they tend to feel rather flat, I think lighting is an issue.

Thanks so much,

brizzy

[brizzy]

Looking back at the photos, i also think that the compostition is not as strong as it could be.

Anyhow, thanks again!

[Marko]

Hi Brizzy - Welcome!

There are quite decent actually. Decent composition and interesting angles in general.

What will help you the most is fill flash. Most of your shots are suffering because the main focus (ie the fruit in hand, the kid in the tire) is not getting enough light.

I would set my fill flash to minus 2 stops. This means that the subject gets hit by the flash but it gets hit with 2 stops less light than the camera or meter reading.

The shot of the stove and the shot of the truck look slightly underexposed.

It's my pleasure to take this 1 step further but I need more info.....

What is your photographic experience?
How are you metering?
What equipment are you using?
digital or non digital?
who printed these? you or a lab

Thanks again for joining
Marko
ADMIN

[cal]

Brizzy, I like the thoughts behind the composition, I don't think there's anything wrong with that. It seems that lighting and sharpness are a bit of a concern.

The dried fruit or whatever it is in the hands is a good idea. However, I think it would benefit if you simply backed the camera up a little. I can see a little bit of a lush green background, and if that were the frame to the photo, I think it would do very well.

I believe you're using a point and shoot pentax, so metering and flash aren't really much of an option, but the one of the child in the tires could benefit by making sure the light is behind the child. If the sun is behind the child, it will not be shining on the tires which serves as a distraction otherwise. Other than that, it's a very good idea for a shot.

The stove shot is really cool. I really like the contrast of the clean neighborhood and the stove awaiting the dump. I think it also would benefit from just backing up a little (maybe 5 ft.) Even shooting it at sundown could make a really nice background contrasting a used up piece of equipment that has worn out it's use.

I hope that helps.

-cal