A better first pic - I hope!

[Saltairdigital]

I am new to the forum and would love comments or suggestions to help me improve. Getting images "tack sharp" has been a challenge. I know this one is not...so will try try again. This is a small park/creek near my location on Vancouver Island. I am also trying to learn post processing...any suggestions?

6202

Thank you.
Nancy

[Wicked Dark]

Hi and welcome aboard.

Well you already know the major problem - it's out of focus. Not sure if this was handheld as well, but it looks it. Keep this rule of thumb in mind - shutter speed at or above the focal length of the lens. So if you're at 100mm make sure your shutter speed is at 1/125 or faster. To get that nice smooth water in a stream, you're going to need a tripod to manage the slow shutter speed you'll need to use.

It also could use a bit of contrast. Compositionally it's pretty good though, the only thing I'd do is crop out the large log in the bottom, leaving the nice mossy rocks. This way a viewer's attention stays where you (premsumably) want it - on the bridge and stream.

[Iguanasan]

Welcome to the forum, Nancy! This is a good first shot. I hope you enjoy your visit with us.

I don't like to critique too much unless the image is in the critique section but I will make one suggestion. Do a little googling on the Rule of Thirds and think about your subject when you snap that shutter. You have a fairly nice shot here but I find the composition a little off.

[Mad Aussie]

Welcome to the forum :)

Nice little scene ... loads of shots there just waiting for you to learn and take :)

Maybe have a read of 'Learning Photography' pages on my blog, under Resources. It's written for the newbie and might help you get some basics figured out.