Critique My Photos!

[Kdeboer]

Hi! I just picked up a Pentax DLSR *Ist DL2 camera with 18-55mm & 50-200mm lenses, for $200. This is my first DLSR, and I'd like to get some criticism of my shots!

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[Kdeboer]

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[Marko]

Hi Kdeboer and welcome

Just as an FYI, you'll find the best critiques will likely come when you only post 1 or 2 pics per thread. Many members, myself included like to write a few phrases per image. With 6 images in this thread, that's a lot to write..

Here are some general things to consider that may help;
- Think about why you are taking the shot. Although most of these shots are well exposed, why did you take them? One of the keys is a story or a suggested story or some type of impact.
Let's say Image 2 of the Volkwagen or #4 of the shoe - what makes those shots interesting?

- Distractions and reducing/eliminating them is a BIG part of good photography. So image 5 for instance has really colourful and interesting flowers, but there are distractions are all over that shot.

Those are just a few tips.

In terms of what you posted imo, the strongest image by far is the first shot. It's funny, tells a story and doesn't have too many distractions.

Hope that helps,
Marko

[jjeling]

I like the shot of the meat and the shoe the best. The area where the rugs ends is a bit of a distraction. You have an eye for what would make a good image. Marko said it, think about what you are trying to "say" in your picture. After you hone your compositional skills a little more, you will be running in absolutely no time. Dont be afraid to ask questions here. We are all friendly and willing to learn and teach each other as much as possible. Marko's podcasts are also a great thing to listen to.

[Michaelaw]

I like the dog in the car shot. It would be a better shot if you'd gotten closer to the subject IMO....Even better if the dog had his paws on the wheel but you can't have everything eh I think if the car had filled up most of the frame with the dog looking the way he does It would have been way better.

[mindforge]

Use the Rule of Thirds every time... unless you have a reason and that reason is sure in your head to break the rule. If you need to know more about the Rule of Thirds, just Google it.

Another thing. Think about composition every time you take a picture. Look at your placement of the subject. Can you put something in the foreground to make the picture look better and have some reference for size, three dimensions or a story? What is behind the picture? A simple photo can really turn into something great.

Move your point of view to a position not seen very often -- off the ground, on a ladder... doing the electric slide.

[mindforge]

BTW... the dog is a great shot... get him in the driver seat next time... you can crop that shot too. Make it just the car. Cropping an image can make or break an image. When cropping or taking your shot, straighten the horizon.