Here's a bunch of pictures from the Manassas Battlefield, which is right down the street from where I live. Some pretty nice landscape photo opportunities here. These are only from the general vicinity of the welcome center.
Get there before the sun rises and shoot until daylight.
None of these are particularly striking photos, though the last three are probably the strongest of the series. Go back and reshoot those in better lighting. Work on balancing your sky and your foreground also. Most of these shots have the sky turned into one big white blown out mass as opposed to others which have patches of blue in between white blown out masses.
Love those leaves dude, but I think they definitely look better in color.
I actually like the first leaf picture the best because of the negative space and contrast in the leaf. Honestly doesn't really strike me very much as a strong subject but thats just me and my tastes, though contrast makes them technically rather good IMO.
CommunistCow on
No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
I actually like the first leaf picture the best because of the negative space and contrast in the leaf. Honestly doesn't really strike me very much as a strong subject but thats just me and my tastes, though contrast makes them technically rather good IMO.
I agree, although it would be better without the stalk running out of the frame.
These aren't fantastic pictures but I'm not sure what I could have done differently to capture them better.
[IMG][/img]
I would step back so you get the entire fire ball in the frame. Use a higher shutter speed / lower fstop to try and freeze the fire. Usually there is quite a bit of light from blowing fire so you shouldn't have to turn up the iso much if at all.
Jake: I like the cone picture but I think you could have tilted the camera a little more counter clockwise so you could get the cones going more along the diagonal.
CommunistCow on
No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
Howdy, me again. Still a 19 year-old amateur photographer who is going to be traveling. Haven't owned a camera, but I really don't want to limit myself and I'm a quick learner when it comes to this kinda stuff.
I'm starting to narrow things down; does anyone have any experience/knowledge about any of the following: Nikon D50/D70, Canon Rebel XS/XSi, 20D? I'm leaning towards a D50, but I'd love to hear some more input.
I have the 20D and love it. I might recommend getting a Rebel instead (Xti would be great) and spend the saved $$ on lenses. Xs and Xsi might be good - do they have the self-cleaning sensor? That's one feature I really covet. I'm about to take a small trip and need to clean my sensor before I go ... it gets tedious.
The Rebels since the xti have had Self cleaning sensors yes. I've had my Xti for... 3 years now I think, maybe a bit more. I'm just now needing a new camera. But, I've loved it and will still use it when I go snowboarding and such. I would recommend it but if you go with a Rebel, get a battery pack.
Well I have an upper price limit at about $525 so I think fancy lenses will have to wait. KEH.com has a 20D in excellent condition for exactly that - the only Rebel in my price range is, uh, an XS. Would a 20D be better than that?
I've done so much research today that everything is starting to blur together and I keep retracing my steps, but it seems like the 20D is the best camera within my price range, while the Rebel is what an amateur "should" buy? I'm really starting to gravitate toward the 20D now.
I have a 10D and it's beginning to show its age. Taking a bunch of pictures in a row is sometimes impossible and viewing them takes up to 2 minutes. :C
So the 20D seems to be really popular. The main downsides seem to be the tiny viewscreen and the relative size.
Is the viewscreen a big deal? Am I going to be sick of having to peer at that tiny thing?
Also is it significantly bigger than the Rebel line? Is it heavy enough that I'll get tired of lugging it around? It's like a half pound heavier, doesn't seem like a big deal.
I dunno! I keep going in circles. The Rebel XS is sold out on KEH too, which is a bummer.
I've just come back from a 2,000 mile cycling trip. I carried a 50D, 3 batteries and three big lenses, and I felt like that was worth doing. In all honesty, I'd worry more about what you're taking in total, and not half a pound of camera.
Cow: I agree. Unfortunately the line above the cones, and the drain bottom right, didn't line up well with the frame at a greater angle, so I shot it like that instead.
nO: thanks, I could've shot in that forest all day. The texture you get from the trees was fantastic.
Oh man I'm in a major slump. I really really want to go take pics but I find it's waaay to fucking hot every time i go out and i can't get any inspiration WTF.
Oh man I'm in a major slump. I really really want to go take pics but I find it's waaay to fucking hot every time i go out and i can't get any inspiration WTF.
I'm in a slump as well. Mostly because it won't STOP BLOODY RAINING ON MY DAYS OFF *murderous rage*.
So the 20D seems to be really popular. The main downsides seem to be the tiny viewscreen and the relative size.
Is the viewscreen a big deal? Am I going to be sick of having to peer at that tiny thing?
Also is it significantly bigger than the Rebel line? Is it heavy enough that I'll get tired of lugging it around? It's like a half pound heavier, doesn't seem like a big deal.
I dunno! I keep going in circles. The Rebel XS is sold out on KEH too, which is a bummer.
Personally I have big hands and I actually prefer my cameras to be bigger and to have a battery grip so my hands don't get in the way of the focus ring on the lens.
For reference I'm 5'11" and the span from my thumb to pinky when stretched out is about 9+"
The weight difference is negligible for most of those cameras there is a big jump between no battery grip and battery grip and an even bigger jump from canon with battery grip to the pro 1d series weight.
If you are choosing between a 10d an a 20d I would go with the 20d because the AF in low light is quite a bit better. I'm sure the AF in low light on the rebel xti/xsi is better than the 10d.
CommunistCow on
No, I am not really communist. Yes, it is weird that I use this name.
I am probably going to be bottom'd here, but I will post anyway.
I tend to lurk in the [PHOTO] thread, in awe of the shots that you folks post. I feel I have hit the limits that my small P&S can really do, and am stepping up to an entry-level DSLR. I chose the XS based on recommendations here, price, and features that I will use. I would have liked the XSi, but couldn't justify the extra ~$160, when I could use that to buy accessories that I need.
At any rate, I bought the XS, a small but decent bag, the 50mm prime lens that is worshipped by most for price and functionality, an 8gb SDHC card, and an extra battery. I am very excited!
The other reason I am posting, outside of sharing the "new gear!" excitement, is that I feel like I need to invest in either some lens filters, or lens hoods, and you folks are the only experts I know.
Should I be buying filters to protect the lens, hoods, or both? If so, what types?
The Tiffen models on Amazon have lots of ratings (which generally means purchases), but most of them complain of glare since they are not multicoated. There are inexpensive multicoated ones, but from brands I am not familiar with.
Any suggestions or personal recommendations on lens filters and hoods would be awesome.
I have a UV filter on my lens at all times, but I think a hood might be a better option, because I've heard of filters getting stuck to lenses when dropped, etc.
also, C&C on this would be awesome. the lighting on the right side is not the true color, but you probably already know that.
WCK: thanks for reminding me that the forum has an ignore feature
Uber: Personally speaking, I'm not a massive fan of the shot as it stands, and even less with the ps'ing. The background could at least do with some noise if you want to make it black, and you need a much better crop, especially around the ears. Sorry!
Well the Canon 50mm's glass is so recessed it almost acts like it's own lens hood.
Well, I will have plenty of time to inspect that, as it appears that I will be receiving my prime lens, as well as all my other accessories, about a week or two before the actual camera arrives. Arg.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Edit:
Also, it's about time I actually participate in this thread and post a picture. As will be obvious, I am an amatuer, but I am always learning. However, the thread is also about feedback, so feel free to exercise that. Until my new camera comes in, any pictures I post are taken with a old P&S.
My brother recently bought a D50 with only 2k actuations, kit lens, 100mm and the 50mm prime for about $500. Its a beast of a camera, that got replaced by the D40 because it was cutting into the higher end market.
Jake, the last photo seems a bit like it has too many blown out elements, that make things a bit washed out and distracting.
Incidentally, anyone care to comment on the color/exposure of my photos? I cannot calibrate my monitor to spec, so I am curious if they come out too garish/dark/bright/whatever.
Cow: I like the texture of the last, and the comp of the third best. With the first, I think you need to either crop into the hair, or give it more space. Also the third would benefit by more uniform lighting of the bench, to contrast the rigidity of the lines with the more organic lines of the model. Finally, I think you could use a little more separation between subject and background in terms of lighting. Oh yeah, and the pose on that last shot, really nice, very natural and a little moody.
It's the very top end of Elizabeth, near the pedestrian walkway over market. I spent most of last month in the Mission...here's another. The bridge is quite a good vantage point, I meant to go back at night, but never did.
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None of these are particularly striking photos, though the last three are probably the strongest of the series. Go back and reshoot those in better lighting. Work on balancing your sky and your foreground also. Most of these shots have the sky turned into one big white blown out mass as opposed to others which have patches of blue in between white blown out masses.
The guy reading the sign? Really?
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I actually like the first leaf picture the best because of the negative space and contrast in the leaf. Honestly doesn't really strike me very much as a strong subject but thats just me and my tastes, though contrast makes them technically rather good IMO.
Here's the second of three attempts. The first attempt was a blown out mess, but it made the guy kinda look like a superhero.
I agree, although it would be better without the stalk running out of the frame.
I would step back so you get the entire fire ball in the frame. Use a higher shutter speed / lower fstop to try and freeze the fire. Usually there is quite a bit of light from blowing fire so you shouldn't have to turn up the iso much if at all.
Jake: I like the cone picture but I think you could have tilted the camera a little more counter clockwise so you could get the cones going more along the diagonal.
I love this shot, but I'm not entirely sure why.
Pope - very nice work with the leaves. I like the 4th one the best, and the macro shot.
I'm starting to narrow things down; does anyone have any experience/knowledge about any of the following: Nikon D50/D70, Canon Rebel XS/XSi, 20D? I'm leaning towards a D50, but I'd love to hear some more input.
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I've done so much research today that everything is starting to blur together and I keep retracing my steps, but it seems like the 20D is the best camera within my price range, while the Rebel is what an amateur "should" buy? I'm really starting to gravitate toward the 20D now.
My Website | My "photo-a-day" 2010
DeviantART|Flickr
Is the viewscreen a big deal? Am I going to be sick of having to peer at that tiny thing?
Also is it significantly bigger than the Rebel line? Is it heavy enough that I'll get tired of lugging it around? It's like a half pound heavier, doesn't seem like a big deal.
I dunno! I keep going in circles. The Rebel XS is sold out on KEH too, which is a bummer.
I've just come back from a 2,000 mile cycling trip. I carried a 50D, 3 batteries and three big lenses, and I felt like that was worth doing. In all honesty, I'd worry more about what you're taking in total, and not half a pound of camera.
edit: speaking of which
[img]http://www.jacoblewisgraphicdesign.com/photos/usa/space needle.jpg[/img]
Cow: I agree. Unfortunately the line above the cones, and the drain bottom right, didn't line up well with the frame at a greater angle, so I shot it like that instead.
nO: thanks, I could've shot in that forest all day. The texture you get from the trees was fantastic.
"Oh what a day, what a LOVELY DAY!"
Is this a good deal?
I'm in a slump as well. Mostly because it won't STOP BLOODY RAINING ON MY DAYS OFF *murderous rage*.
So I feel you!
Personally I have big hands and I actually prefer my cameras to be bigger and to have a battery grip so my hands don't get in the way of the focus ring on the lens.
For reference I'm 5'11" and the span from my thumb to pinky when stretched out is about 9+"
The weight difference is negligible for most of those cameras there is a big jump between no battery grip and battery grip and an even bigger jump from canon with battery grip to the pro 1d series weight.
If you are choosing between a 10d an a 20d I would go with the 20d because the AF in low light is quite a bit better. I'm sure the AF in low light on the rebel xti/xsi is better than the 10d.
The second is neat but the DoF is odd, like the right half is out of focus and does funky things with my eyes.
"Oh what a day, what a LOVELY DAY!"
I tend to lurk in the [PHOTO] thread, in awe of the shots that you folks post. I feel I have hit the limits that my small P&S can really do, and am stepping up to an entry-level DSLR. I chose the XS based on recommendations here, price, and features that I will use. I would have liked the XSi, but couldn't justify the extra ~$160, when I could use that to buy accessories that I need.
At any rate, I bought the XS, a small but decent bag, the 50mm prime lens that is worshipped by most for price and functionality, an 8gb SDHC card, and an extra battery. I am very excited!
The other reason I am posting, outside of sharing the "new gear!" excitement, is that I feel like I need to invest in either some lens filters, or lens hoods, and you folks are the only experts I know.
Should I be buying filters to protect the lens, hoods, or both? If so, what types?
The Tiffen models on Amazon have lots of ratings (which generally means purchases), but most of them complain of glare since they are not multicoated. There are inexpensive multicoated ones, but from brands I am not familiar with.
Any suggestions or personal recommendations on lens filters and hoods would be awesome.
also, C&C on this would be awesome. the lighting on the right side is not the true color, but you probably already know that.
DeviantART|Flickr
http://kaileyjoanette.co.nr
Uber: Personally speaking, I'm not a massive fan of the shot as it stands, and even less with the ps'ing. The background could at least do with some noise if you want to make it black, and you need a much better crop, especially around the ears. Sorry!
edit: forgot to mention that I really like your cycling photos, Jake
Well, I will have plenty of time to inspect that, as it appears that I will be receiving my prime lens, as well as all my other accessories, about a week or two before the actual camera arrives. Arg.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Edit:
Also, it's about time I actually participate in this thread and post a picture. As will be obvious, I am an amatuer, but I am always learning. However, the thread is also about feedback, so feel free to exercise that. Until my new camera comes in, any pictures I post are taken with a old P&S.
My brother recently bought a D50 with only 2k actuations, kit lens, 100mm and the 50mm prime for about $500. Its a beast of a camera, that got replaced by the D40 because it was cutting into the higher end market.
Jake, the last photo seems a bit like it has too many blown out elements, that make things a bit washed out and distracting.
Incidentally, anyone care to comment on the color/exposure of my photos? I cannot calibrate my monitor to spec, so I am curious if they come out too garish/dark/bright/whatever.
and trying to play with some negative space / composition...
I've been busy moving and doing other things and generally taking a break from photography but here's a shot of the view from my new place.
Cow: I like the texture of the last, and the comp of the third best. With the first, I think you need to either crop into the hair, or give it more space. Also the third would benefit by more uniform lighting of the bench, to contrast the rigidity of the lines with the more organic lines of the model. Finally, I think you could use a little more separation between subject and background in terms of lighting. Oh yeah, and the pose on that last shot, really nice, very natural and a little moody.
Shankill: San Francisco