Water Lily

Electricseashell · #1 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 02:09 PM

Critique Please

PhotosbyChuck · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 03:00 PM

The shot is overexposed and out of focus. I think the background at the top is also a bit cluttered. This is a common problem in many of your posts. I'd suggest you choose a main element and ensure that focus and exposure is set for that element while minimizing what is going on in the background.

Electricseashell · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 03:28 PM

I think it was out of focus because I zoomed in.. trying to crop out the rest of the pond. Thanks for posting yours so I could see the difference.

PhotosbyChuck · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electricseashell

I think it was out of focus because I zoomed in.. trying to crop out the rest of the pond. Thanks for posting yours so I could see the difference.

Not sure what you mean there. Your camera is capable of focus at a pretty tight 5 cm. Now, it's possible that at full zoom you have a longer minimum distance to subject, but given the ripples in the water behind the lillies look sharp, I'm guessing the camera's focus was there instead of on the lillies themselves.

Since everything in your viewfinder looks sharp to you, it's really important to check your point of focus. I'm not familiar with your camera -- maybe someone else is -- but in my viewfinder, there are a series of squares. Those that light up red are in focus. Those that do not are out of focus. If nothing is in focus, the camera refuses to take the shot (in full auto mode). Your camera is likely similar. It took the shot because it thought it had a focus lock -- or because you put it in manual focus mode.

Electricseashell · #5 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 04:48 PM

I have it in full auto mode but trying to get out of the habit. I see what you mean about the point of focus.. I think I was more concerned with composition, and didnt check to see if it was focused. Just that the photo would make a nice picture framed. lol
I'm learning

RSStory · #6 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 07:57 PM

Even if the focus were right on this one, the image is still over exposed and areas of the flowers are blown out and that would not make for a great print.

Electricseashell · #7 (**permalink**) 03-11-2008, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Even if the focus were right on this one, the image is still over exposed and areas of the flowers are blown out and that would not make for a great print.

Hows the composition

?
I seem to be over exposing on 90 percent of my shots... so I will have to remember all this and hopefully not lose the fun.

PhotosbyChuck · #8 (**permalink**) 03-11-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electricseashell

Hows the composition

?
I seem to be over exposing on 90 percent of my shots... so I will have to remember all this and hopefully not lose the fun.

The composition is a bit off too since the background at the top is so cluttered, I think it's best left out of the shot. Also, the "main" lily is partially cropped out on the left. Cropping part of a flower can work, but I think it shouldn't be the main attraction ... or it should be clipped to a greater extent.

This is part of the risk of filling the frame. Next time you shoot flowers, shoot 1 scene. Don't try to get 10 different flowers -- just get 1. Shoot it from all angles, apertures, distances and focal lengths. Take notes on your thoughts as you shoot. You'll be amazed at how different the shots look. I'd also suggest you at least take a few wide shots so that you can play with cropping at home on your PC. That will let you see what different crops might work best.

As for exposure, it's not so easy to capture a scene with reflections (like you have in your shot). The camera's meter will most likely choose a poor exposure setting since reflections are very bright, but your shadows are dark. That's why I'm suggesting you experiment a bit on a single scene.

RSStory · #9 (**permalink**) 03-11-2008, 12:56 PM

I agre with Chuck on the composition. If you look at the image chuck posted, the flowers are what you are drawn to. In yours, I get caught up in the clutter at the top. So, if you are going to shoot a flower then you want to make sure the flower is what grabs their attention.

Scott

Electricseashell · #10 (**permalink**) 03-11-2008, 06:49 PM

Thanks everyone for the time and energy and helpful suggestions.. now I just have to wait for nicer weather to get back outside.

Check Focus
Check Exposure levels
Choose my subject watch out for clutter
Shoot it from all angles, apertures, distances and focal lengths. Take notes on my thoughts as I shoot. So I can figure out what I was doing when I end up with a great shot.

Figure out bracketing and take the three photos. (another thread)