Some pics I've taken

[hifiguy]

From previous posts it appears there are definately some photog gurus here so thought I would throw up some of what I have shot over the last while. I am still very much an amateur and learning what I can and can't do with the camera.

Equipment: Canon XT w/ 18-55 Kit lens

All pics were resized to 1280 x 853. (couldn't figure out how to have them show up on main screen so thumbnails was all I could manage)

Constructive critisim is welcome, as I am certainly looking to improve my skills...enjoy

[Aleks]

Re: Some pics I've taken

They look good.....Some DOF irregularities in the first 3, maybe shot with a smaller aperture would have cleaned that up, and kept the background blurry enough to maintain the effect....Just think how good they'd look shot with a Nikon!! heehee

[hifiguy]

Re: Some pics I've taken

....Just think how good they'd look shot with a Nikon!! heehee

Crazy chitz is that I was going to buy a Nikon but a buddy of mine is a wedding photoghrapher here in Calgary and he basically told me to buy Canon or nothing as he had sold all of his Nikon gear a year ago and bought Canon.

Gratuitous plug...http://www.calgaryweddingphotographer.ca/

[18TWolf]

Re: Some pics I've taken

Oh no... here comes the Nikon vs. Canon debate. I shoot Canon because I started shooting Canon almost 10 years ago. When I went to digital Canon had Nikon beat hands down... cost and quality wise. Nikon has caught up now and you would be safe with either one. If you buy Canon and want the best image quality even on the entry level bodies (same sensor as higher end ones) stay away from the kit lens unless you are on a serious budget. As you can see it takes some really nice pictures from above. Once you get your first "pro" series lens you will understand

On to the critique:

Pic 1: I would crop the bottom twigs out of this shot and keep it a square and bump up the saturation a bit. Other than that the shot is in focus and the subject is well defined. This picture shows where the kit lens is weak. Bokeh (out of focus blurring) isn't as smooth as one would like.

Pic 2: Artistically... doesn't do much for me but nice depth of field. Compared to the last one the bokeh is much smoother but that is due to the separation of the subject to the background. The hair on the left is distracting and maybe choose a different horizon level.

Pic 3: I really like this shot but the saturation and contrast could be enhanced to really make this one pop. I can't tell from the small file size but I would assume the gauge is in focus and that's what I would have focussed on. Try this one in black in white with some levels adjustment and it would be awesome.

Pic 4: Another great shot. Good framing and focus and the colours are great.

Pic 5: Similar comments to number 3 but not as eye catching. The sky is totally blown out which causes some balance issues.

Here is a quick go at number 3... I don't have photoshop at work to do a great job.

PS... CANON RULES

[Coker Rat]

Re: Some pics I've taken

you mean a canon 'L' lense for example?