PattyBWest Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Was trying out the 55x300mm lens for the first time with my Nikon D5200. I liked the look of the crepe myrtle flowers through the top edges of the fence. Any comments or ideas on how to improve? Remember, please, I have just acquired this camera and am use to an Olympus C-700 point and shoot, so all ideas on improving my photos will be most appreciated.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

The first shot shows good detail...was that shot at 300mm?

PattyBWest Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Settings were:

F/5.6
Exposure time 1/125 sec
ISO -200
0 step
Focal length 55 mm
Max aperture 4.3
Metering mode - Pattern
No flash

John Lawrence

I'm just an amateur myself so my comments are merely casual observations. First of all, I think you have all the ingredients of a beautiful picture with picture number one. I love the curved horizontal sweep of the fence in number one. You have a good eye for composition.

The fence is tilted a bit to the left but that can be easily fixed in any post processing program. Straighten the fence and I think you've got a winner. Number two appears to be out of focus so I'll reserve any comment there. Thanks for sharing your work. I'll look forward to seeing more from you.

John

PattyBWest Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks for the comments, John. As you noted, the fence is crooked, but, no post processing has been done at all to the photos, so I will try straightening.

I usually can "see" the photo, but, I don't always get the image I think I am seeing. That is why I am here. :lol:

John Lawrence

Don't be so hard on yourself. Number one is a beautiful shot with a great deal of creativity. Your eye is fine. You're just getting used to new equipment.

PattyBWest Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thanks. I straightened the photo and reposted just above your post. Better? Again, no other processing was done.

John Lawrence

All you need now is a picture frame. That is one gorgeous photograph. You should be proud of yourself.

PattyBWest Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Thank you, John. I love taking photographs and have made many, many, many with the Olympus. But, as you noted, the learning curve on a new camera is a great challenge, especially if you have no clue as to f-stops, aperture, manual, etc. And then add to that I can change lenses????? What difference does all that make, I question myself. So, I go out a little each day and try something different to see what the effect is. And, I am loving it.

Again, I appreciate your comments.

John Lawrence

Cameras and lenses are just tools that you'll master fairly quickly, Patty. The difficult thing to master is having a creative eye. I've been shooting for fifty years and have learned to take pictures that are technically correct but still struggle with the creative side of photography.

It's clear looking at your beautiful fence shot that you have a creative eye. The composition and framing of your shot are great. The curve of the fence leads the eye to the pointed part of the fence which, in turn, takes you right to the flower. Your creativity is a gift not easily learned from books.

You have what it takes to be an outstanding photographer. It would be better to put your camera on automatic for now and continue focusing on good composition and lighting, like you are, rather than focus on the camera at the expense of your creativity. Keep up the great work, Patty.

John

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

I like #1. Number 2 looks like you were maybe a little closer than the telephoto would focus - the leaves, which to me are not the most interesting part of the photo, are more in focus than everything else. Perhaps a bit of motion artifact as well - was this hand-held or on a tripod? This kind of shot also cries out for manual focus... Thanks for sharing!