Christian Photographers Community

 I think this is one my best macros yet. Though once again I forgot to keep the main subject a little off center. I also had the ISO on 1600, Because I forgot to look! It was the only one of my pics that came out OK.

I've been looking for ways to improve my photography, so if you have any good ideas, please give me some constructive criticism.

   Thank you

 I also got this one, using a circler polarizing filter for more sharpness against the blue sky.



Here's a helpful hint for you all. Instead of going out and buying a remote controller for your camera to reduce camera shake, just use the automatic shutter timer! Mirror lockup is helpful to. But I don't think Nikon has that. It's a Canon thing. 

Scotty,

I love your photographic enthusiasm! You are out there shooting up a storm; I can tell.

I tend to not give advice on subjects in which I am not well schooled, and macro photography is one of my weak areas in photography. Making effective images of really small things is a challenge. Having said that, there are perhaps some general things I might help you with.

Cropping: It's important to give your viewers just the right amount of information. Have you ever had a friend come up to you and tell you something about themselves, and you instantly reach your saturation point? As in, "Dude, I did not need to know that about you right now!" Well, a photograph is just like that. Most people, when they are starting out in photography just give their viewers too much information.

Here's a full frame photo of a salmonberry blossom from May. This was as close as the lens I was using would let me get. Keep in mind that the blossom is a little less than an inch across.

<img src="http://davidmcmaster.net/cpimages/Salmonberry Blossom - full.jpg">

Now, this is OK, but I think the crop I chose for the final image is more effective and holds the viewer's attention better.

<img src="http://davidmcmaster.net/cpimages/Salmonberry Blossom - crop.jpg">

Side tip: Notice how I used a square crop for the (mostly) circular subject.

All that extra foliage in the background is going to distract my viewers, and maybe even cause their eyes to wander off the side of the frame. I want them to see this amazing blossom in all its magenta glory, so I ruthlessly trim away all that will keep that from happening.

Ask yourself, "What is this photo really about?", and then make sure that that message is clearly conveyed to your viewers.

Subject Interest: Is what I'm photographing really worth my time? How about my viewers time? Is my subject really that special? Or, have I managed to photograph a commonplace subject in a special and interesting way?

These are important questions every photographer needs to ask themselves. Look hard, and you will find the stuff. The more you look the better you'll get at finding the stuff. Like any other discipline it's practice, practice, practice. Study the works of the great photographers at the library. Really look at the images to discover what it is that makes them interesting. There are definitely some of those guys you want to stay away from, but might I suggest Henry Cartier-Bresson or Ansel Adams.

Here's a series of photos. I want you to post a reply, and tell me specifically what you like and dislike about each image. There are no right or wrong answers, just let me know what attracts or repels you.

















Well, I'll be interested to see what you have to say, and keep on shooting!

David McMaster

Ok, here we go.

I really like the first picture; because it's very bright against a dark background. (which I love) I also like how the main flower part is sharp, while the leafy
background seems to disappear into the darkness. But the best part, is that the main subject is perfectly placed just off center. Centered things tend to bug me.

For the second picture; It's neat, but it bugs me. my personal preference would be to shoot it more from the left, having the spider in front, and using the dark background on the right of the existing photo. OR if that's easier said than done, I would get closer, and use a lower F stop number to get that leaf out of the background. Keep the spider though! it adds to the picture .

Picture number three; this pic is perfect! I love it.

Picture four; the white thing with that looks like a sheep with a stick growing out of it, draws my eye way to much. But it's a very creative shot that I would like if it were aimed to the right a little more.

The fifth one; this picture is amazing! I like how you used black and white to add a certain mood to the picture. I don't think I would do anything different
with this  one!

The sixth one is really cool! I like how the whole picture is completely frozen! Where was this photo taken?

The bear picture is also really cool! it gives me the feeling that I'm really in the picture. It's so realistic! I'd be afraid to get that close to a bear. Even a little one like that can hurt you pretty badly.

The last one is one of the best action shots I've ever seen. The ball is perfectly sharp. You must have used a 1,2000 of a second shutter speed, at least!

 Here are some more macro pictures I've taken.

 I think my last picture would have been better if I had moved it to the right a little. (I always tend to shoot the picture first and think about it later, it drives me crazy! )

Up Close and Personal - Part Two

OK. Those were (mostly) thoughtful critiques. You kinda got lazy on your critique for the Lupine leaves with the dew. BTW that's my least favorite of the bunch. Think you can figure out why?

In all, you gave good reasons for why you liked or disliked certain elements of each photo. Now, apply that same technique to your own images. Even while you're out shooting. Use the LCD screen, and ask yourself three questions: 1. What do I like about this photograph? 2. What don't I like about this photograph? 3. What am I going to change when I re-shoot this photograph?

You've got a good start, Scotty. Keep at it.

P.S. I LOVE the new crop on the ladybug pic. Much more effective!

Sorry. I forgot to answer your question about the whale breach photo. That was just a couple of weeks ago taken about 15 miles north of where I live in Juneau, Alaska. In fact, just about every picture I have posted or will post in the future is taken in Juneau unless otherwise noted.

If you do a search for Saginaw Channel in Google Earth you'll see the area where the image of the Humpback was made.

My oh my what amazing teaching going on here.  You are so right in your critisizm (sp?), and the changes made are making a good photographer even better.  I must say I like all the shots.

Scotty keep up the good work.  Learn from this and keep shooting!

David, you have an amazing teaching style.  I really wish I could print out all that has been said here and use it to critique our own photos!!

Do you not have a printer?

No I am using the computer at work, I don't have a computer at this moment in time.  so to use the printer would be pushing the envelope too much.  Boss doesn't mind me using my breaks to check the site though.

That's too bad.

I love that bee on the leaf, and the uncluttered green background.  As for placing the bee off-center, of course as an alternative you can crop afterwards.  Lovely, rich saturation.

I was afraid to crop, because used too high an ISO.

I really like these photos Scotty  

 Thank you, Melody.