These lens hoods were on the kit lens (I think it was a kit lens) of the Pentax P30n & P30T.
Lets just say that there wasn't much point to them as they were so shallow.


Paul

Only problem with blowing the sensor with a blower is that you may just blow it around the inside of the camera. It may in actual fact, make it worse. If it works for you then cool, but personally I wouldn't do it.

It looks as though you will have to manually clean it as the in camera cleaning system may not clear that amount of debris.

I use liquid and swabs, a very steady hand is needed though and the ability not to breathe whilst doing it.

If in doubt get it done professionally, it's quite cheap apparently.

Oh and the pictures themselves, 2,3,4 & 6 are fantastic, well done. I really like the un-posed look.
It's funny, although I take portraits for a living, I really don't like doing posed shots. These are great being natural, the last one is awesome!!!

Paul

Edited: Spelling again

I use the 2 second timer for all my HDR or long exposure shots, as long as the tripod is sturdy and all locks are tight then this method will not be a problem.

If you like the second shot then that's fine, it's all down to personal taste. Use it as a starter and try to improve on it.

Paul

Oh and the first shot is tilting too much, have you got a spirit level on yr tripod, I have one that slides onto the hotshoe and is very accurate.

Also, if you can, try to get the whole of the building in the shot and the flags. I know this can be a problem if you can't get further back, maybe the shot would have worked if it was taken in portrait rather than landscape.

Carl, I understand that this is a first attempt but keep at it as I'm sure in the next few weeks or months you'll have more images on this site that will amaze everyone!!!

Paul

Edited: spelling & gramma

Carl, I agree with the above.

Maybe a long exposure would work better instead of HDR.

I am a fan of HDR if it's done properly (no offence meant at all). The subject has to be right and the actual lighting in my opinion has to be correct.
For the shots that you have done maybe a long exposure would have been suffice. There isn't enough cloud to use in a HDR and the detail would have been caught in a long exposure, you could always "dodge" the windows in Photoshop or similar.

Try doing this shot on a day where there is a mixture of blue sky and cloud, or on a stormy looking day.
Maybe do some internal shots, like in a church, try it with natural light only, expect the exposures to be from 2-30+ seconds long.

Maybe refrain from using the auto-bracket and go totally manual, get the feel of the camera, personally, I do these shots in manual as I don't always get the control of the shot when using auto.

Don't be put off from trying these shots and everyones comments on here are to help you and not to discourage.

Paul

I agree with this.

Personally I use Cokin filters but I don't use them all the time. Lee Filters are one of the best makes for glass filters, but are, as you know, expensive.
Cokin are really good as long as you protect them from scratches and keep them in their cases when not using them.

Paul

Ahhhh that's where you need to tell the yobs who's boss!!!
You have to tell them, in your best manner, that you will not take any crap from anyone and that you are there on a job.

Try to keep doing that type of work if you want to but don't let it get to you.

Just a quick change of subject, what do you enjoy taking photographs of most? What I am trying to say is try to specialise in 2 or maybe 3 different areas to start with, then once you have the experience you can expand.
Just a suggestion

Paul

When I first started to use this site I was logged out quite often and I found that really annoying.
Now, and like others say, I never log out and when I shut down and restart the next day, the pages all open nicely and I am already logged in.

Pete, I use Firefox and very rarely use IE due to the security scare a couple of months ago. I'm not going to lecture all of you on what is beter, Firefox or IE, but lets say that there is a clear winner in terms of security....oops a little off topic there, apologies.

Paul

They are indeed and this is a very good shot

Sorry to say this but you have to be so carful with spot colouring in portraits, unfortunately this will not sell very well if at all. Ok that's just my opinion and there are probably others out there who will totally disagree with my comments. It's ok if you are using it just for yourself but try to sell it, well that's a different story.

I know it sounds harsh but that's the reality of it.

Try selecting a patch of bright clothing or maybe darken the contrast of the B&W then bring out the colour of the eyes.
Selecting the whole face and hair is just far to much plus the shot is very noisy

Paul

Edited: dodgy spelling