marykt Loc: Omaha

Any advice anyone has would be appreciated. I just got a new camera and am still getting familiar with the settings. I really enjoy animals and landscape the most.

brush fire


brush fire

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

looks like you are having fun...your DoF is great in #2...not sure I like the subject of restrained animals though....

fawlty128 Loc: LI, NY now in Allentown, PA

To me, the main issue I think you're having is composition.
In the 1st shot, I think a vertical crop would work much better, (crop from the right and left)
the 2nd shot wish there was more space on the left side where the hawk is looking.
3rd shot, would crop down to get rid of wires, & crop a little left and right to bring us closer to the action.
4th shot seems OK, maybe just a small crop off the top.
5th shot just needs a boost in brightness & contrast
6 & 7 the images themselves are a bit disturbing to me, the horses appear stressed and it makes me uncomfortable. Adding to the problem is the crop is too tight, especially on #6, the horse is too confined in the shot, I assume he was being taken out of his stall, I think if you pulled back on the zoom and captured the entire scene, it would have made for a nicer image.
#8 I like, just wish you hadn't cropped off the top of the headstone
#9 I think this would look better converted to B&W.

Please Note: I am by no means a pro, what I like or dislike about any photo is just my personal preference. But I have found that the best way to improve is to shoot lots of images, and experiment with various angles and crops till you find what really appeals to you.

marykt Loc: Omaha

Thank you for your time. Funny, my boyfriend always says the same things, usually I am crooked! I do know that I shy away from symetrical images many times. So with these, I was happy with everything appearing straight. Oh and by the way, the horses are breeding stallions from Kentucky and they are always full of energy and hormones! Trust me, those horses are pampered and the only stress they experience is that of having to wait for there food to be delivered!

marykt Loc: Omaha

The birds are from the World Bird Sanctuary, many of them are being rehabilitated and returned to the wild if they can

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

mary, thanks for the clarification on both horses and birds....that makes me feel better. If you are doing the breeding and pampering, surely you have many opportunities to shoot at them. I would try some more..no chains....In my mind I am seeing a mare nuzzling a colt.... One of those High energy horses romping....How about one of those birds being released....
Think about moving your subject off center....try it and see how you like it.
Finally, your pictures are sharp with good focus....

marykt Loc: Omaha

Sorry, they aren't my horses. I wish, though. Kentucky horse farms.

jbmauser Loc: Roanoke, VA

When I take animal shots I will often make a whistle or click or some nondescript sound to try and have the animal perk or tilt their ears to me. Shots 8 and 9 seem to lack a point of interest. There is a lot going on but nothing of primary interest.
the shot of the stature in 9 should be a tight shot with one urn on the side or part of one. The foreground does not frame the subject or lead the eye. I try no to shoot straight on. Your previous cemetery shots were shot at an angle. I would think that if you shot the last two shots closer and down on a knee shooting up at that you could achieve a interesting perspective. I will admit that age and crappy knees does not let me practice what I preach but back in the day it was useful. JB :lol:

kayautho Loc: Boynton Beach, FL

That bird's expression in #2 is priceless.
arthur

1eyedjack

Looks like you are off to a good start with your new camera,good luck..

marykt Loc: Omaha

thank you.

marykt Loc: Omaha

thank you

alaskanfrog Loc: Alaska

Well, you're off to a good start. Your compositions are okay, but could use a little bit of improvement.

The horses look a bit spooked from the camera flash that you used when taking the photos. That's natural because horses tend to spook whenever they see a flash of light of any kind. This alerts them of possible lightening strike danger and is a natural reaction. I can see the flash reflection in the eyes of the horses when you took the photos.

A better way to take good photos of horses is to disable your flash and most of all, take your time. Allow the animals to get accustomed to your presence and let them get to know you a little before you pick up your camera and start shooting. You're likely to get better shots when the animals are relaxed and unstressed. This rule applies to shooting all wildlife and/or domestic animals regardless of conditions. In shooting wildlife, patience is key and vital for good photos.

Your bird photos are good but could use a bit of improvement on the composition. The second bird photo looks over exposed and the feathers look washed out as a result. The birds look a bit stressed, probably from the flash firing when you were taking the photos. Birds tend to deal with bright flashes better than horses.

To help improve your shots, try using the "Rule of Thirds" application that is used in photography, including video and film photography. I'm including a link that explains the "Rule of Thirds" and how it applies to photography. By understanding the rule of thirds and how it applies, you will begin improving your photography skills and will be able to capture better photos because you will be able to compose your shots better. Here's the link... Good Luck!

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds

TomS Loc: The California Delta

I really like what you did with #5. Especially leaving it a little dark. It's a dark subject and leaving it dark helps convey that feeling.

small_cents Loc: Ashland Ma. 01721

# 7 is the best ,try using a external flash all the time