ratzthree Loc: Midwestern USA

I have focus issues with my eyes. Bad eyesight compounded with advancing age. What are ya gonna do?!

ratzthree Loc: Midwestern USA

I think so.

SENSORLOUPE

maybe vertical?

ratzthree Loc: Midwestern USA

Interesting idea! Thanks for looking!

SENSORLOUPE

Sure. I always look both Vert. and Horizontal through the view finder and sometimes take both. I do like the Spiny & squiggly effect against that blue sky. Also with that, you could tip the camera to the rt. or left for something different. Looks fun to work with

wierdphotoguy Loc: the snow belt in Michigan

I think that particular shot would look eerie with side lighting from a full moon. Long expposure on a still night with the moon at a low level to give vertical light streaks. . might even look good with a slight breeze to blur it a little.

You are on the right track; shoot what looks interesting to you and give no thought to whether you keep the picture or trash it later. Stuff like that might make an intersting layer in Photoshop later.

Here's an interesting thing that I like to do: when my camera is languishing in my hands or around my neck because nothing looks very interesting, think of how the world looks from a different perspective. What would a dog see, since they dont see colors? How do things look from knee high where a little kids eyes are? What is no one else looking at? Look for things that look forlorn or happy, things that are out of place, things that are ignored. Shoot the things that are beautiful to you, without worrying how many others will see it the same way you do. A good photographer points out the beauty in every day life that is ignored by many.

The most beautiful pictue I ever took was a child sitting by herself at a picnic table in the shade after playing; she was daydreaming and had a slight smile with a faraway look. I took her pic without disturbing her then watched for a few minutes and wondered what she was thinking about. Every time I looked at that picture it brought me great peace. It has been lost for years now, but I don't need it anymore. Every time I see her (she's my neice) I remember her that day when she was nine years old. That picture meant nothing when I took it; it was a spur of the moment shot. I wasn't even technically well executed, but none of that matters, it was still a great photograph.

I guess the moral of the story is to take photos that mean something to you. If you take photos that mean something to someone else, get paid for them.

ratzthree Loc: Midwestern USA

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I found them to be inspiring. I am really going to think about all of this. Thanks again.

feywon Loc: south end of the Rockies

Presumptions in anything are as risky as assumptions.
The Nimbus clouds are a good deal more distant than the branches, there's a thing called depth of field? From the original post my understanding is that the equipment was pretty basic...and unlikely to have that great a depth of field. But i won't debate it with you...i only know how it appeared to me and my comment as valid as the 'too blue' which i consider a matter of 'taste' some people like a lot of blue. i moved to current home because it affords me a 'big sky' i get more blue than that nearly every day.

feywon Loc: south end of the Rockies

If i did not consider it an art i would have no interest in photographing anything but family and pets as keepsakes and maybe objects for insurance purposes, i would not even try to capture the intrigueing and beautiful sights nature has to offer. When still in HS (back in the early 60's) i had a huge 'debate' with an English teacher about it, he stated flatly it was NOT an art...and we were off...i was able to make some points due to two art photographer friends, one of whom's work he'd seen, and my familiarity with professionals who practiced it as an art to get him to concede my point if not whole heartedly agree.

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

It's an interesting photo, altho it really lacks a main focal point. The suggestion to hang on to it for later use as a layer is an excellent one, as that's exactly what I'd do with it.

Take no belittling of your Rebel, either. It's an excellent camera, and will take you a long way. The photographer makes the camera amazing, not the other way around.

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

It does not matter how basic the equipment may be f22--f8--f5.6 is the same
On all lenses. We have a sunny day right now same clouds blue sky . And i can see the same thing . With my own eyes right now . If i took a pic right now it would look the same as hers at f22 or set at infinty . Im 71 been doing this since i was 23 . Go look at some clouds on a day like that and tell me you cant see the same thing as in her picture. With your own eyes . Thats all there is to it case closed.

feywon Loc: south end of the Rockies

Let it go fella...

feywon Loc: south end of the Rockies

ratzthree, if i offended you with my remark about focus i do apologize...it was not a 'criticism'...it was merely a distraction to MY eye. i think the comments made by others made a good deal of sense except for the 'too blue'ones. As a person who has lived in areas where low pollution levels mean a more natural sky (often VERY blue) i was tempted to ask what color folks expected the sky to be and were they suggesting you tampered with mother nature's pallette.
The picture is a good start, play with the subjects till you get one you like enough to not if anyone else thinks its 'good'. The sky will be there, the tree will likely be there till some windstorms topples, you will get a new cast of clouds on a frequent basis (depending on your locale)...so have fun with it.

ratzthree Loc: Midwestern USA

Thank you for looking! I've seen your work here on this site, and I value your opinion. (My fave is Portrait of a Royal!)
I do love my Rebel so much!
Thanks for your encouragement!

ratzthree Loc: Midwestern USA

Oh my! Of course you did not offend me!! I appreciate all the discussions on my pic. It was my first pic- I did not expect any lookers! Plus, I can tell the comments come from compassion and the desire to help me improve. That's why I'm on this site. So no, you didn't offend me. I am excited to post some more photos asap!!
Thanks again!