peekaboo

Hi Darren

I know that you're excited about photography but the first recommendation I would give is not to upload large numbers of images onto the Gallery one after another! You will find that you will get more comments and advice if you restrict your uploads to a reasonable number (1 per day is ample). When uploading such a large number it swamps the Gallery and results in other peoples images not getting viewed, and your images not attracting the attention they may deserve.

Regarding advice on the images, I would recommend a few initial things:

- Stand back and have a look at other people's images uploaded to the Gallery - decide what you like and what you don't like, take note of the settings used (Exif Data) and ask lots of questions
- Learn how to use a decent imaging software package properly, i.e. become a master of processing software and this will be one of the biggest single things you can do to improve your images
- Understand the basic rules of composition and work them into your images
- Try and get out on some shoots with other members - this is the best way to learn

I think it's very difficult to pass intitial judgements on your pictures - you need encouragement and positive feedback, but also some balanced criticism. My initial thoughts are that you have an eye for a picture, but the images look very 'soft' and would benefit from a little post processing work to improve sharpness, contrast and colour.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes
David

Hi David,
Thanks for the advise. In regards to multiple uploads I take your point. I just wanted to get a few out there so that people can see if I'm making any consistent mistakes, ie too soft? As you have pointed out. Are the images too soft because of using too large an aperture? Wrong focus point? Not using post processing software? Etc...

As a novice I feel that post processing is kind of cheating. I would have thought that the ultimate goal is to take shots that don't need processing ! Obviously I am wrong regarding this. Before computers and processing, was this not the case, or was there ways to enhance a picture when developing?
Please don't take this as arguing. It's just what I thought it was all about.

I have ps 7 from a while back so it looks like I better start learning to use it.

Points taken though and I look forward to reading more tips and criticism.

Hi Darren,

David offers some very good points.

This particular picture is probably soft due to the slow shutter speed 1/10 sec. There will also be a very narrow depth of field at F1.8. I presume this is handheld in poorish light, I would say it would be very difficult to avoid camera shake and/or subject movement in these conditions.

I am no expert with the post processing of an image but would certainly urge you to use some of the basic tools, ie croppping, contrast/levels and sharpening. These can have a dramatic effect on the final image.

Regards

George

Hi Darren, David and George are right about post-processing, it isn't cheating at all and can help with your photos!

I don't tend to use very much, but almost every photo I put in the gallery will have had some, be it a crop or a tweak of the levels.

Enjoy the K30