New to a camera, feedback welcome!
Discussion
1st & 2nd - white balance seems totally off for both, but particularly the 2nd one which is also over-exposed. The subject can be interesting but I don't think you've captured the best. I can see you are trying to experiment with the angles but I don't think it has worked, unfortunately. But I would definitely keep on trying with this approach. 
Exposure is off for the last 2 images. It's very difficult for the camera to get the correct exposure for both the sky and foreground, without the help of filter(s) or post-processing. I don't think the composition is interesting either. You need a focal point in any images - something that draws the viewer's attention. This is the difference between snapshots and photography. Think very carefully before pressing the shutter. It's not something you can learn quickly but you have to think like an artist. Hope this helps.
Exposure is off for the last 2 images. It's very difficult for the camera to get the correct exposure for both the sky and foreground, without the help of filter(s) or post-processing. I don't think the composition is interesting either. You need a focal point in any images - something that draws the viewer's attention. This is the difference between snapshots and photography. Think very carefully before pressing the shutter. It's not something you can learn quickly but you have to think like an artist. Hope this helps.
I think Gemm has hit the nail on the head but don't be disheartened by it.
White balance is a tricky one which the camera can't always get right. Best off shooting in RAW as this allows you to alter WB on the computer.
The last two I can't figure out if you were deliberately trying to have the photos at angles or not? Would look better if the horizons were straight.
Practice, practice and practice more. We are always learning and don't forget that.
White balance is a tricky one which the camera can't always get right. Best off shooting in RAW as this allows you to alter WB on the computer.
The last two I can't figure out if you were deliberately trying to have the photos at angles or not? Would look better if the horizons were straight.
Practice, practice and practice more. We are always learning and don't forget that.
Simpo Two said:
Let's do composition and exposure before we start worrying about RAW
+1Looking at the last image in your post, I'd leave the camera in auto everything and spend a few months just considering composition. It's the most important element in photography.
Don't let us miserable b
ds put you off though! 
eggchaser1987 said:
So first things keep all in auto and get subjects right in the photo i.e. the look the angles etc.
WHen you come across a subject that you think has potential, walk all round it and consider it from all angles, and heights as well. Crouch down and see how the view/angles change; walk nearer or further away and see how the perspective changes. You might find several positions worth shooting from, or you might find none. Looking into the sun, contrast gets harsh and colours fade. This may be the look you want, or it may not be. Sometimes colour is a bonus, sometimes it gets in the way - it may be that your shots would look better in black and white. ATEOTD you need to fill a rectangle with a composition that pleases you (not anyone else) - consider not just left/right/up/down but near vs far too.voyds9 said:
The top image brings back memories. It has the colour qualities of a 70's transparency from holiday snaps.
Indeed, in these days of digital perfection, people strive to get such effects now!Although it's easy to get lazy with digital, as I grew up with emulsion (film), I have tended to treat every image as precious. The great thing with digital is that it does allow you to experiment, at no cost!
As other posters have mentioned, concentrate on composition, and try to keep the horizon horizontal, and buildings vertical, for now. Google the 'Rule of Thirds', to add impact to your photos.
Try to develop a photographers eye, and 'frame' potential pictures with you hands. If you can, try taking photos of the same subject at different times of the day to learn about your best ally, light.
Stick to subjects you like, things that give you an emotional reaction if you like. What is it in a scene that you like? Try to convey that message.
Above all, it is the photographer that takes the picture, not the camera. And have fun!
Here are some of my photos: http://pictureperfitt.com/
PS. I have been a photographer for a Very long time, but I am always experimenting, and always pushing for better photographs. Practice getting the basics right, and you'll be able to tackle anything. Set yourself a project, or try to take one photo every day. Keep at it, and good luck!
As other posters have mentioned, concentrate on composition, and try to keep the horizon horizontal, and buildings vertical, for now. Google the 'Rule of Thirds', to add impact to your photos.
Try to develop a photographers eye, and 'frame' potential pictures with you hands. If you can, try taking photos of the same subject at different times of the day to learn about your best ally, light.
Stick to subjects you like, things that give you an emotional reaction if you like. What is it in a scene that you like? Try to convey that message.
Above all, it is the photographer that takes the picture, not the camera. And have fun!
Here are some of my photos: http://pictureperfitt.com/
PS. I have been a photographer for a Very long time, but I am always experimenting, and always pushing for better photographs. Practice getting the basics right, and you'll be able to tackle anything. Set yourself a project, or try to take one photo every day. Keep at it, and good luck!
(1) has potential but you've chopped through the window in the tower (composition) - and what are those red bits? (processing)
(2) the basic photo is OK but it's not vertical and the colours and edges look weird (processing). Going closer with a wider angle (if you have one) would allow more tower to show.
(3) don't care for the arch being cropped, don't like the fact it's bigger than the tower nor converging verticals (composition)
(4) nope, sorry.
Bear in mind this is only my opinion; as this is a hobby you have to please yourself not us
(2) the basic photo is OK but it's not vertical and the colours and edges look weird (processing). Going closer with a wider angle (if you have one) would allow more tower to show.
(3) don't care for the arch being cropped, don't like the fact it's bigger than the tower nor converging verticals (composition)
(4) nope, sorry.
Bear in mind this is only my opinion; as this is a hobby you have to please yourself not us
Simpo Two said:
(1) has potential but you've chopped through the window in the tower (composition) - and what are those red bits? (processing)
(2) the basic photo is OK but it's not vertical and the colours and edges look weird (processing). Going closer with a wider angle (if you have one) would allow more tower to show.
(3) don't care for the arch being cropped, don't like the fact it's bigger than the tower nor converging verticals (composition)
(4) nope, sorry.
Bear in mind this is only my opinion; as this is a hobby you have to please yourself not us
The red bits are the red brick, setting on the camera black and White but red highlight if that makes sence. (2) the basic photo is OK but it's not vertical and the colours and edges look weird (processing). Going closer with a wider angle (if you have one) would allow more tower to show.
(3) don't care for the arch being cropped, don't like the fact it's bigger than the tower nor converging verticals (composition)
(4) nope, sorry.
Bear in mind this is only my opinion; as this is a hobby you have to please yourself not us
None of them have been processed (edited I think if that's what you mean?)
What do you mean by cropped? It hasn't been I don't think unless it the way I have taken it.
And for the last each to their own
But thank you for the honest feedback
The red highlight thing is really not working IMO. TBH it's possibly the most hackneyed post-processing 'effect' around anyway, that's when it's done well...but since yours isn't correctly selected (see the red/pink in the cake and leaking into the background) it just looks like when the printer goes wrong or runs out of ink.
To echo Simpo's and GetCarter's feedback, leave the fancy effects and details alone until you get to grips with the basics - composition, and then exposure. Processing (like the camera b&w+red setting, or using photoshop/lightroom) won't make a bad picture into a good one, but good awareness of composition and exposure will!
Hope this isn't too harsh, you've obviously got some nice ideas so stick with it, and don't be tempted by the instant gratification of 'making a picture good by using trick effects'!
To echo Simpo's and GetCarter's feedback, leave the fancy effects and details alone until you get to grips with the basics - composition, and then exposure. Processing (like the camera b&w+red setting, or using photoshop/lightroom) won't make a bad picture into a good one, but good awareness of composition and exposure will!
Hope this isn't too harsh, you've obviously got some nice ideas so stick with it, and don't be tempted by the instant gratification of 'making a picture good by using trick effects'!
Egg, what camera have you bought?
I've just got a Nikon D3100 and a couple of zoom lenses. A mate of mine has given me a few tips which I hope may be of use to you.
He says the first thing to do is to crop the picture. Then adjust the levels in a programme (Photoshop) which makes your blacks, black and your whites, white. Lastly, I adjust the sharpness.
I agree with a previous poster about the reddish hue on some of your later photos, it doesn't do it for me either and I can't understand why it's there.
Bottom line is keep taking pictures and practice editing them.
I've just got a Nikon D3100 and a couple of zoom lenses. A mate of mine has given me a few tips which I hope may be of use to you.
He says the first thing to do is to crop the picture. Then adjust the levels in a programme (Photoshop) which makes your blacks, black and your whites, white. Lastly, I adjust the sharpness.
I agree with a previous poster about the reddish hue on some of your later photos, it doesn't do it for me either and I can't understand why it's there.
Bottom line is keep taking pictures and practice editing them.
Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff