Selection K10 images taken in Wales Saturday 24th

I guess I just like to post photos that I like and think are not to bad. I completely understand if other folk don't like them but I value opinions and views on what I am doing both wrong and right with may images.

These most recent ones lack spark as you have mentioned. I'll keeping looking and shooting as I enjoy it which is what's its all about in the end.

Oh well back to the drawing board

Pete

Try posting pics that YOU really like... not ones that you think "are not too bad". If you think they aren't totally fantastic we're hardly likely to be in raptures about them...

Keep trying... but also take your time to look at your own work and weed out the also-rans before posting, otherwise you dilute the quality of your work!

Good point I'll take note of that

Cheers Pete

OK Will

Heres one I like. Its not the best image technically buts it's unusual. It was taken with my old Olympus camera.

Really? I wouldn't have noticed...

I'm not going to have a big moan at you, Pete, this time - I think you are improving, and might put a lot of us to shame in time.

But FFS will you stop describing your pictures as NICE.

Please!!!!

Ok Chris No more nice pictures

On thing you mentioned is the saturation. I thought the originals at the top of page one were fine. I adjusted the levels in the second bunch the as a few people, Liam I think was one such person said they would look better.

As I said the first ones were out of camera seetings with regards to colour. This begs the question about monitor caliberation/contrast and brightness etc.. If everyones monitor is set up different then we will all view images quite different. I know this to be true as I have just caliberated mine with an eye one display 2 gadget and it's took a while for me to get used to the way the colours look now. I thought they looked good before but I was wrong according to this little piece of hardware.

Cheers Pete

I thought both sets of shots looked good and the second set certainly had more punch.
It all depends on the effect you want to achieve, I personally prefer my shots to look natural ie. they way I saw the scenes with the naked eye.
This of course means that they are not very interesting and look quite ordinary but you can always tweak them afterwards!

I must say Pete that you have a pretty good eye for an image, you have effectively explored several techniques and you've every right to be pleased with your results - they are generally very good.

You clearly appreciate that not everyone will like the same images, some will be very critical while others will applaud but there's no doubt in my mind that you'll soon be producing some real stunners - well done

Thank's Kimbo for the comments

Pete

It is a really good idea to have a 'viewing wall' at home, just somewhere to put up images and look at them self-critically (blu-tak on any empty surface will do) before unleashing a bunch of dull and, I think pointless, images on everyone else; what exactly are you trying to say about the subject matter? There is nothing here that enlightens, informs or even entertains. Can I suggest you get some books on truly great photographers and analyse their images?

Gartmore - quite agree
May I suggest the books by Brian Peterson:
Learning to See Creatively and Understanding Exposure

as well, of course, as the ePhotozine Guide to Great Photography

And if it's portraiture, then Robin Gillander's book The Photographic Portrait is absolutely excellent, as well as a beautiful book in itself.

(Check your local library - they may have them to borrow )

Matt

I actually agree with you both. I suppose they are a bit dull. I want to learn to take good pictures so as for the books I will have a look in the library.

I must point out I have seen myself some images posted here that I thought were not very good at all but it's difficult when you learning as to what you think will appeal to people.

Without these forums and you guys ripping my images apart and telling what you really think I would never learn good photography so that's why I post them here. On ephotozine you might get a few people saying good things but there are probably thousands of others who have viewed them and thought how rubbish they are. At least here I get what I feel are honest views best of all from fellow K10 and other pentax system users.

I was at one point thinking of getting a Canon EOS 5D but I love my K10d camera so much I have yet to see another as good. I can't really see what extra I would get from the 5D for £1500 more ?? The only thing concerning me was, dare I say it, sharpness but a tweak or two in PS and it's up there with the canon. I think my two old lenses I have brought the 50mm F 1.7 and Cosina 28mm are brilliant for the price.

I believe some images are one in a lifetime shot and others can be fabricated to look good. When I was at the Focus show I had a go with a Hasselblad camera a few lights and a pretty girl and WOW all of a sudden I a pro photographer with a great shot.

So I'll keep posting, keep getting ribbed by you lot but I don't mind as long as my photography improves which I think it is doing slowly.

One day I hope to take an image and hopefully blow you all away with it (in my dreams )

One final point is Bens images. I appreciate the work is fantastic how can you knock a pro especially who uses the K10D. For me though I am not a fan of this type of photography I am not saying it is bad far from it its simply stunning art work but just not my taste. Sorry Ben


Pete

Your sensor needs cleaning Pete. Top left and top right of the 'line of trees' shot shows evidence (little round 'n grey blobs) of dust.

To me, these latest pics are rather ordinary, more like a quick grab record shot, but nothing much worth recording.

You've produced better shots than these in the past. For a while, why not post pics that you think are 'killer' pics, only your best work that contains some challenges for critique instead of "not the best technically" or just "nice".

Your eye is the final arbiter, don't let a gizmo dictate what you are getting if you don't like it.

Thanks John

Good point

I used it to caliberate my screen to get near screen prints withe reference to colour.

Thanks Peter I'll have a go at cleaning the sensor 1st time

Pete