My first pic!

Mint_Sauce · 23 May 2006 at 00:22

Spent today learning about all the settings (didn't want to use Auto to force myself to learn as much as possible). So here's me first pic, cunningly disguised using lots of colour. It was a quick job but I like it as the quality (to me, coming from a 640x480 camera) is awesome!

http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~henleyb/webstuff/red_laura.jpg (2MB)

I had to use a high ISO (1600) due to the lighting so it's a little grainy but I guess it adds to the pic.

It's wet and dingy outside so had to make do with what I had in our flat, hopefully this weekend I will get out and have some proper fun! Loving it so far.

Rednut05 · 23 May 2006 at 00:23

Looks a fit lass if a little red.

Mint_Sauce · 23 May 2006 at 00:24

I just played about with the colour in the bundled software, I guess it is a little overpowering, but due to the lighting in our flat I had to be a little creative otherwise it's a little boring.

Rednut05 · 23 May 2006 at 00:26

That from the standard 18-55mm lens?

Mint_Sauce · 23 May 2006 at 00:26

Yeah, the standard lens. I'm already thinking about purchasing a wide angle lens...

Rednut05 · 23 May 2006 at 00:27

How much have you spent already? you have a kit bag as well don't you if I remember the other post of yours.

Mint_Sauce · 23 May 2006 at 00:30

Yeah, that's right. In total I've now spent about £600 (cheapish tripod, remote and 2gb CF card). I guess this is going to get (even more) expensive when pay day comes.

Rednut05 · 23 May 2006 at 00:32

Yeah i'm tempted to get into photography. Been watching the photography section for a wee while now so its tempting me.

Anyway better get some kip. Work and then more money to blow all on a camera blantenly.

themask70 · 23 May 2006 at 17:55

That's a great first pic mate, really impressive

And as has been said, great for the kit lens!! Nice comp btw

madmaca · 23 May 2006 at 18:07

My eyes hurt!

A little too strong on colour for my liking but the compostion and subject are spot on

brocksta · 23 May 2006 at 19:09

madmaca said:
My eyes hurt!

A little too strong on colour for my liking but the compostion and subject are spot on

i agree, have you tried it in black and white?

AdWright · 23 May 2006 at 19:17

Colour's a bit intense for me, but good composition! Would you mind posting the original? Some of us may be able to have a bit of a play in photoshop and give you a few tips if you'd like?

Mint_Sauce · 23 May 2006 at 23:51

Thanks for the positive feedback and crits (the more crits the better). I tried taking a few pics when out playing football today but they all just look a little lackluster. I guess this is where the real art to photography comes in, making the photos stand out from the rest by using the correct settings, lighting etc.

The outside lighting wasn't too great (around 7:30pm and cloudy) coupled with the fact it was people running about and hand held probably didn't help. Any tips for this kind of thing?

As for the posted pic, here's the original file for anyone who wants a play. This is how it came out of the camera, as you can see it's not too great without the in your face red effect.

http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~henleyb/webstuff/laura_original.jpg

Here's another I took at the same time. I feel a bit stupid posting these kind of posing pics but it does help to learn the camera and my girlfriend seemed to enjoy the attention so who cares.

This is as it came from the camera and I was aiming for over exposure (to make it more interesting). Any tips on this, I guess a lower ISO would have helped the sharpness but then using the inbuilt flash causes harsh lighting... I tried turning the flash exp comp down to the lowest setting but it still seemed a little too harsh.

http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~henleyb/webstuff/IMG_3853.jpg

Pickers · 24 May 2006 at 08:02

Mint_Sauce said:
This is as it came from the camera and I was aiming for over exposure (to make it more interesting). Any tips on this, I guess a lower ISO would have helped the sharpness but then using the inbuilt flash causes harsh lighting... I tried turning the flash exp comp down to the lowest setting but it still seemed a little too harsh.

What program mode were you shooting in? Did you try turning exposure compensation all the way up? You can adjust that when processing RAW, presuming you shoot RAW images

Mint_Sauce · 24 May 2006 at 21:06

Pickers said:
What program mode were you shooting in? Did you try turning exposure compensation all the way up? You can adjust that when processing RAW, presuming you shoot RAW images

I've only got a little memory card at the moment (32mb) so shoot things at low res.

I'm pretty sure I did turn up the exposure compensation for that one. I was constantly playing with settings so it's hard to remember exactly. I should be getting my big CF card tomorrow so will shoot RAW from then onward and play with them in photoshop.

AdWright · 24 May 2006 at 21:17

Well, here's what I have done with your picture - some noise reduction on face/neck, then just some simple levels/curves adjustment: