Gum nuts: Looking to improve my photographic skills, so trying different versions of technique. Concentrating on making the image interesting to view, more than a snapshot. So can you...

Rolenz Loc: Tripping around Oz

Looking to improve my photographic skills, so trying different versions of technique. Concentrating on making the image interesting to view, more than a snapshot. So can you advise, where I would improve this image, or even if this image appeals. All input is constructive, as I wish to improve overall. Have next to no editing programs or skills related to, funding restricted.

Gum nut pair.

Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

Rolenz wrote:

Looking to improve my photographic skills, so trying different versions of technique. Concentrating on making the image interesting to view, more than a snapshot. So can you advise, where I would improve this image, or even if this image appeals. All input is constructive, as I wish to improve overall. Have next to no editing programs or skills related to, funding restricted.

Editing skills are essential at some point in your photography. As the budget is restricted, go for free photo editing software. There are many excellent options available.

Start with GIMP which is free and very powerful. There many tutorials within this forum. I suggest you start here:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-1.html#top

There is a link to download the latest version of GIMP on the webpage. As you'll see I started from scratch and was taught by an 11 year old. GIMP is not difficult, if you get stuck you can PM me with a question.

If you are using a Windows PC/Laptop you may also have Photo Gallery preloaded. This program is much more than a gallery it is a fine, but very simple, editor.

Looking at photograph, you already have skills. The image has a good blurred background and the details are relatively sharp. For example, the depth of field is very narrow and the leaves are out of focus slightly. Maybe this was intentional. Some noise but that can be taken care of during editing. Well done.

Have fun!

djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now

I feel much the same as Shakey, but I'd start your PP with Picasa, which is free. It's also much easier to get used to than Gimp. I use both but go to Picasa the most. But, then again, I am basically lazy.

jonsommer Loc: Usually, somewhere on the U.S. west coast.

I like your shot, it's got a center of interest that's in front of a background with beautiful bokah, it's simple (less is more) it's balanced, it makes a statement about gum nuts. So, great job - the hardest part is behind you, because you have a worthwhile image to work with.

There's no doubt that a skilled PP'er would add substantial appeal to the shot. So, to put it in the vernacular of another thread on this forum, you are a master mechanic, but you need more wrenches to do a better job.

Chuck_893 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

Rolenz wrote:

Looking to improve my photographic skills, so trying different versions of technique. Concentrating on making the image interesting to view, more than a snapshot. So can you advise, where I would improve this image, or even if this image appeals. All input is constructive, as I wish to improve overall. Have next to no editing programs or skills related to, funding restricted.

Boy, do I ever understand restricted funding! All the suggestions for free programs are great. I started a long time ago on Photoshop Elements. I still have and use version 4, and now I have version 11 that I got from Amazon for under 70 bucks. Just to show you what's possible, I made a couple of literally quick adjustmentsAuto Smart Fix and a little tinkering in Levels. I haven't done anything else to your really nice picture

Just one example of what's possible, and I ain't not no expert by any means! By the way, I started to remove that tiny white dot in the lower upper third just right of the branches, but realized that it's a butterfly!

Nightski

Rolenz wrote:

Looking to improve my photographic skills, so trying different versions of technique. Concentrating on making the image interesting to view, more than a snapshot. So can you advise, where I would improve this image, or even if this image appeals. All input is constructive, as I wish to improve overall. Have next to no editing programs or skills related to, funding restricted.

Rolenz, I am working on my skills in this area too. I am going to say what I think, and I am hoping someone with more knowledge than me will come along and tell me what they know.

You need contrast between your subject and background for this kind of photo. You need more of that here. Maybe a wider aperture?

Dead or dying leaves are not generally in great photos. It needs to be shot with healthy autumn colored leaves.

Getting a nice background bokeh depends on your lens. Some lenses do a better job of this than others.

I did an edit, but I don't think that's what you are looking for. I think you want to take the shot and do better in camera. Try different f/stops. See what you like the best with the lens you are using. :-)

Nightski Edit

Bill Houghton Loc: New York area

Nightski wrote:

Dead or dying leaves are not generally in great photos. It needs to be shot with healthy autumn colored leaves. :-)

I'm not a biologist by a long shot, but I can bet donut's that donut holes aren't very filling but eating them helps me keep my young girlish figure. To me Healthy autum colores are dying leaves. LOL

jonsommer Loc: Usually, somewhere on the U.S. west coast.

Yep, so what is 'a healthy autumn colored leaf' if it's not the one in this photo? Oh, I get it, Minnesota's healthy autumn colored leaves are more red, but Nightski, some leaves don't turn red in the autumn, like this one - it just becomes a healthy yellowish autumn colored leaf.

I remember my childhood visiting family in the autumn on Lake Minnetonka, and I still remember the most amazing autumn colors, but we're not all so lucky to have autumn colors like you enjoy. LOL.

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Liberal application of a number of NIK Collection filters Viveza2 and Color Efex Pro 4.

Variation on Gum Nuts Pair

Nightski

jonsommer wrote:

Yep, so what is 'a healthy autumn colored leaf' if it's not the one in this photo? Oh, I get it, Minnesota's healthy autumn colored leaves are more red, but Nightski, some leaves don't turn red in the autumn, like this one - it just becomes a healthy yellowish autumn colored leaf.

I remember my childhood visiting family in the autumn on Lake Minnetonka, and I still remember the most amazing autumn colors, but we're not all so lucky to have autumn colors like you enjoy. LOL.

Well, it has brown spots, and it's crinkly. :| And I did say that somebody that knows more than me would come along and correct me, and here you are. :-D

Nightski

Anybody want to critique my edit? :-)

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

You do have a clear point of interest, but they do get lost in the dark green background and my eye goes to the golden leaves. I had to do a google search on gum nuts to be sure this is possible, but I think the photo would be more appealing with an odd number of nuts and with the leaves snugged in closer to the nuts. There is just too much distance between the nuts and the leaves. You could reduce this by another angle or just finding a different set of them.
You have used the rule of thirds in your composition and that is good.
It looks like your focus is good on the nuts, but the lighting could be improved by shooting in the golden hour or sunrise or sunset.

Rolenz Loc: Tripping around Oz

Shakey Thank you for the time you have taken to respond. Can confess have avoided the editing side to date. New camera,60D, is pushing me to venture further in all areas. So will take what you have offered and work from there. Also am learning computer skills/processes, brain feels like it is overflowing at times, too stubborn to give in tho. Progress can only be achieved by applying effort. My thanks.

Rolenz Loc: Tripping around Oz

djtravels wrote:

I feel much the same as Shakey, but I'd start your PP with Picasa, which is free. It's also much easier to get used to than Gimp. I use both but go to Picasa the most. But, then again, I am basically lazy.

djtravels thank you for responding to my request, I will be paying more attention to my editing options. Will have to do some research into which system I can understand. Am aware of my limits of computer skills. Having taken the first steps, I won't stop now. Am grateful for your advise.

Rolenz Loc: Tripping around Oz

jonsommer wrote:

I like your shot, it's got a center of interest th... (show quote)

Thank you for you opinion. I do appreciate you evaluation of my shot. Have learnt also, in the explanation I should have offered an explanation of what I was looking for, in the image. The range of colours, The background varying, so as not to blend into one colour. Also those leaves were the only ones on the tree that had turned. Putting the emphasis on the nuts to make them the interest point. Overall striving for a simple image with character. Already have learnt so much than I expected from being prepared to ask for the advise I have recieved.