kels2448 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

just got the camera (Nikon d3100). still working with auto, reading and shooting everything I can. first non-point&shoot so critiques/advice appreciated. thanks!

Gorilla-Cinci Zoo


White Lion-Cinci Zoo


Waterfall

Bunny-Jean Loc: Wisconsin

Welcome Kels!!!! Off to a good start!!! I am still learning manual and find it is helpful to look back and check my photo info as I down load to learn what works and what doesn't.. I have read alot, but learned so much right here on this forum and you will too!!

Bobber Loc: Fredericksburg, Texas

Before I say much of anything, I'd like to see what you think about those photos. Do you see anything that might be better?

I will go so far as to say, that composition wise, there is not much to criticise. The merits do not stop there either. But, I'd like see your own critical look first.

momasos54 Loc: Pennsylvania

What lens did you use for these??? They are great pictures....

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

When I photograph birds and animals I use Spot Metering for the shots. This way if the animal is black or white or any other color you exposure for them will be spot on. You must have your focus point on the subject for this to work correctly, hope this helps. Your Lion shot looks good, would say the eyes are a little soft, but looks like the lion has some sort of eye problem.

ALYN Loc: Lebanon, Indiana

I am a member of Lions Clubs International. Any objection if I print your lion shot. I won't sell it, but I may share it with fellow Lions. Please ? ALYN
alyn1477@mymetronet.net

ALYN Loc: Lebanon, Indiana

B TW: I live in Lebanon--just 30 minutes down the pike. Be out of town for the next two weeks. ALYN

kels2448 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

thanks everyone for the feedback, taking notes as i read!
ALYN-not a problem, thanks for asking first!
momasos-I used the 55-300 lens.
Bobber- i think they aren't too bad for never having used a dslr before and knowing nothing about composition, etc. now that i'm getting into it i realize there's a lot more to it than just pushing the shutter and wouldn't have posted if i didn't want to improve the next batch :) thanks again!

momasos54 Loc: Pennsylvania

Thanks.....

jthomas Loc: Lancaster, PA

All great pictures - I think you're a pro in-hiding. The lion seems to pop out of the picture - what a beauty!

kels2448 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

wow, well that's motivation to keep going. thanks so much!

Photoman74 Loc: Conroe Tx

:P :-) :|

Bobber Loc: Fredericksburg, Texas

Ok, I see you are a beginner of the first water and picking a picture to pieces requires your having a starting place. Already there are indications here in other comments that give you some starts in that direction. I'll not get into further details on what you have submitted here. As has been said in other words, they have a lot going for them already.

For the future, see here reactions to other pictures submitted to the old hog and the suggested corrections. The puzzle of making photographs, that appeal to the widest possible audience, not just you or a few others has many pieces and each one has an important place. I believe you have a good start. Read, observe, use all of your camera's capabilities, exercise them in deliberate trials to get the feel of what they can do for you and practice what you learn. Practice makes permanent, not necessarily perfect, so make sure you find out what works best. Mistakes that are recognized, corrections found and made and re-fired for effect, and time on the view finder and shutter release all contribute to making your pictures more satisfying. Of course after some of that, you will end up with opportunities of following up with selecting and further treating your results to present them to the best viewing effect --- another subject.

And do not neglect to note that everyone, who bothers, has an opinion, a fact you will see on exhibit here. In the midst of controversy a wise sailor navigates his own course, and benefits or suffers according to how well that storm is weathered. Even in the worst of storms interesting cloud formations are there for observation and profitable future reference.