I am fairly new to this whole photography thing althought I have a background in graphic design.
so here are a few pictures I have taken with a canon rebel xsi with a 18-55 lens. These photos where very minorly adjusted and have not been through photo shop or anything and I would like to have some critique on what my strenghs and weaknesses are. So that I can continue to work with the strenghs and focus on inproving my weaknesses. Thank you in advance.
Hi Bull,
It's a tall order to give feedback globally on 4 utterly different pictures. Generally in one post, the pictures should constitute a related series or else just show one picture. So briefly here goes.
#1:
Presumably, this first shot has been cropped . Likely this is a snapshot, as opposed to something planned. The subject is what? Two dogs on the left are chaotically set and then with some large separation there's the lone dog on the right and it's strong shadow and in between a portion of a structure. Is there a planned subject? Is there any interesting form there?
As a graphic artist, you have an advantage. The camera cannot design for you. Planning the shot is the most important way of starting photography. Later on you can be impulsive. The personalities of the dog and how fond you are of them is only known to you and these pictures have little value except personal. We want to use photographic elements to make pictures go beyond that.
#2:
The second picture has untidy structures at the top but a strong character of a dog. Yes, that's a great subject, but plan the shot so it fits a concept or wait until it happens. That means you plan what will be in the background. With white snow, you have no relief in the shading of the footsteps or shrubs or sky, all elements that are available for free. So this picture is either too close or not close enough!
#3:
The girl is shown with not title and again an untidy background. I don't get the picture. Are you celebrating her body with large boobs or exposing her taste in clothes or what? She is not made up and the lighting is what is and with no attempt to prevent harsh shadows, Is this meant to be untidy? Again, is this something planned or a snap.
#4:
The last picture does have some landscape potential. Sketch this out in your mind as to how you can make this most interesting. The snow is overexposed and there's little detail in the trees.
Obviously I have been tough on you.
My suggestion is to narrow your subject matter. No dogs or people. Just use your stated strengths and draw first what you want to photograph. Then concentrate on one subject, using just one lens at one focal length. I'd suggest starting with fruit by a window or the landscape and get that right. Moving animals are very hard to work with in the beginning. Try to boil things down to simple set ups.
Also, for whatever you want to start doing, do a search for other peoples photography of that subject. Look to see ways composition is approached. You can emulate what you like. Eventually you'll work out your own view of things.
So decide what you like most that is stationary. If it's small, put it by the window in the early morning or later as the sun goes down. If it's large, scout it out with a square cutout of cardboard as your camera. It's not necessary to take the picture. First scout, then come back for the picture.
This is a one time long post! Next time my response will be much shorter. Good luck!
Asher
