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Just starting with new camera.
Jun 16, 2017 20:57:07   #
cam.79 Loc: Gray, GA
 
I just bought my first GOOD camera. Nikon Coolpix P900. Taking a lot of pictures and trying to get some good shots. Dumping a lot of them after sorting the bad from good, great from the good. The composition is something I will work on. Right now I am using the Auto mode and soon will start using other settings. Just wanted some ideas about one I took the other day. Thanks in advance (I think). Give it to me, compliment the picture, tear the pic up and spit it out, give advice. Thanks.

This was taken at Hamlin Mills in Forsyth, GA next to I-75. The picture was taken under the open air roof, late in the afternoon.


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Jun 17, 2017 09:18:16   #
Country's Mama Loc: Michigan
 
I know that you said you are working on composition, and shooting in auto. There is too much business in the background, but I suspect you already know that. Your focus is good on the larger flower. I think I would have shot this with a wider aperture and tried to blur more of the background and the other flowers. This would have been a better shot if you had found a flower with foliage all around it. I would like to recommend a book by Bryan Peterson called Understanding Exposure. If you slowly work your way through this book you will be a lot more comfortable shooting in manual. It is an easy and fun read. https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Fourth-Photographs-Camera/dp/1607748509/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497705395&sr=8-1&keywords=Understanding+Exposure+Peterson If you are on a budget the third edition is much less expensive.

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Jun 17, 2017 11:28:00   #
cam.79 Loc: Gray, GA
 
Thanks for the reply. Like I said, I am just starting and your insight is helpful. Thanks, I will look into the book.

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Jun 17, 2017 12:23:50   #
AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!
 
You have really nice focus on the subject flower. And you've rendered the foliage nicely but it might need a touch of brightening. It's unfortunate that the background above the flowers is so distracting. It really is. Listen to CountryMama.

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Jun 17, 2017 12:25:12   #
Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana
 
Country's Mama wrote:
I know that you said you are working on composition, and shooting in auto. There is too much business in the background, but I suspect you already know that. Your focus is good on the larger flower. I think I would have shot this with a wider aperture and tried to blur more of the background and the other flowers. This would have been a better shot if you had found a flower with foliage all around it. I would like to recommend a book by Bryan Peterson called Understanding Exposure. If you slowly work your way through this book you will be a lot more comfortable shooting in manual. It is an easy and fun read. https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Fourth-Photographs-Camera/dp/1607748509/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497705395&sr=8-1&keywords=Understanding+Exposure+Peterson If you are on a budget the third edition is much less expensive.
I know that you said you are working on compositio... (show quote)


Perfect, especially the Bryan Peterson book. I'm taking an online course with him and get photo assignment critiques.

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Jun 17, 2017 16:54:57   #
RWCRNC Loc: Pennsylvania
 
As has been said, the background is a bit busy. Also the white line down the center and the white chain on the left is very distracting. I like the blurred flag in the background and I think I might have moved to the left and composed so that the flowers and flag were the only things in the picture. I have read all of Bryan Peterson's books and they are very helpful. And as he always says " you keep shooting " and have fun with your new camera.

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Jun 17, 2017 18:13:29   #
dat2ra Loc: Sacramento
 
Welcome aboard, cam. Aside from what has already been said, consider what the subject is and shoot for that. Consider the objects visible that are not part of the subject, especially is they are iconic or symbolic because they will change the meaning of your shot. The flag is a good example here. If it is not part of the subject....the purpose of the photo...., it's presence will be noticed by all, and will detract from the flowers. If it is part of the subject, then maybe show a bit more of it so it doesn't look accidental. Maybe you intended it to be subtle, and that's fine, but always think: What do I want this photo to say?". Then set it up and shoot. Again, welcome and thanks for your post.

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Jun 18, 2017 00:44:55   #
mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)
 
Lesson 1. When you look through the viewfinder don't just look at your subject. Look around, beside and above and below your subject. If there are things there that you don't want in your picture move your camera around - up, down, left, right, forward, back, to get those distractions out of the frame. If there are some that you can't avoid use a larger aperture (smaller f-number) to blur them so they aren't so apparent.

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Jun 19, 2017 21:01:23   #
Ltgk20 Loc: Salisbury, NC
 
First, have a grand time with your new camera! Next, as others have said, as I progressed in my own work, I find I have spent more and more time focusing on what I don't want in the picture than I have my primary focal point.

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Jun 19, 2017 21:24:40   #
cam.79 Loc: Gray, GA
 
I am beginning to understand. I have taken some pictures of flowers around the house and don't care about the background, and also taking care to try to get a GOOD shot. It will all come in time. I hope. My goal is to get some good shots and a few great shots along the way. I hope to get a few good shots of the eclipse coming up also. Plan on being in the Columbia SC area for that.


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Jun 19, 2017 21:34:30   #
cam.79 Loc: Gray, GA
 
The background fence was necessary to keep the animals from digging up the plant. But you don't want to see the other pics. I also realize the flower is not centered.

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Jun 19, 2017 21:48:01   #
cam.79 Loc: Gray, GA
 
After a little quick editing.


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Jun 20, 2017 13:12:08   #
dat2ra Loc: Sacramento
 
Nice touch. I'd clone out that pale leaf on camera right so it doesn't distract from your great shot.

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Jun 20, 2017 13:42:06   #
cam.79 Loc: Gray, GA
 
Thanks.

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