Requesting Critiques
Sep 30, 2011 15:25:04 #
All manual shots, no editing....still learning, and it's gonna take a while.
Also, I noticed today that a lot of my photos were out of focus. I have always had bad eyesight. I've been wearing my glasses and using the optical viewfinder. If I wear my contacts, I'd probably focus better, but wouldn't be able to read/see the readings in the viewfinder....any suggestions for me?
Also, I noticed today that a lot of my photos were out of focus. I have always had bad eyesight. I've been wearing my glasses and using the optical viewfinder. If I wear my contacts, I'd probably focus better, but wouldn't be able to read/see the readings in the viewfinder....any suggestions for me?
Sep 30, 2011 15:52:27 #
If you are using a manual camera, a GOOD one, you can usually get a "split image" focusing screen, where the center of the viewfinder has a unique "prism" which splits the unfocused image, which only comes together when focus is correct.
That said, autofocus, particularly on better (unfortunately pricier) cameras can be very useful, as the autofocus can be shifted to different parts of the frame. General autofocus is useful, especially if you can LOCK the focus setting.
With bad eyesight, some form of autofocus would be a recommendation. Keep in mind, autofocus also works with MANUAL lenses in the form of focus assist. On better cameras there will be information in the viewfinder concerning focusing a manual lens, sometimes including really useful information, like, which way you must turn the focus to get sharp.
Finally, if you are a manual purist, you can get your eyeglass prescription, or at least the correct diopter adjustment, as an add-on to the viewfinder of better cameras.
That said, autofocus, particularly on better (unfortunately pricier) cameras can be very useful, as the autofocus can be shifted to different parts of the frame. General autofocus is useful, especially if you can LOCK the focus setting.
With bad eyesight, some form of autofocus would be a recommendation. Keep in mind, autofocus also works with MANUAL lenses in the form of focus assist. On better cameras there will be information in the viewfinder concerning focusing a manual lens, sometimes including really useful information, like, which way you must turn the focus to get sharp.
Finally, if you are a manual purist, you can get your eyeglass prescription, or at least the correct diopter adjustment, as an add-on to the viewfinder of better cameras.
Sep 30, 2011 17:01:31 #
you didn't say what kind of camera you have, but most DSLRs now have a diopter adjustment. it's usually a little wheel located on the side of the eyepiece, and you can compensate for less than perfect eyesight. i have mine cranked almost all the way up in order to keep the data in the viewfinder clear.
trust your autofocus. the camera can probably "see" better than you can - i know mine does! - and AF will give you a good sharp photo 99% of the time, as long as you have enough light and contrast.
trust your autofocus. the camera can probably "see" better than you can - i know mine does! - and AF will give you a good sharp photo 99% of the time, as long as you have enough light and contrast.
Sep 30, 2011 17:11:00 #
Thanks for the info guys/gals. I will try AF, since I can use that with manual settings.
Any critiques on my photos so that I may learn and grow in photography skills?
I use a Nikon D3100
Any critiques on my photos so that I may learn and grow in photography skills?
I use a Nikon D3100
Sep 30, 2011 17:19:01 #
On your outdoors scenics try concentrating on smaller portions of the scene. Find interesting patterns or shadows. If you could have brought the bird in closer it may have been more interesting. The gazebo closer with shadows or maybe a person would have worked better. Reading books or articles on composition should help too.
Sep 30, 2011 17:27:59 #
A10 wrote:
On your outdoors scenics try concentrating on smaller portions of the scene. Find interesting patterns or shadows. If you could have brought the bird in closer it may have been more interesting. The gazebo closer with shadows or maybe a person would have worked better. Reading books or articles on composition should help too.
The only lens I have at this time is the one that came with the camera. I got as close to the bird as I possible could and had the lens focused in as far as it would go.
Really need a telephoto lens.
:-)
Thanks for your opinions, appreciated.
Oct 1, 2011 01:14:21 #
Oct 1, 2011 02:08:55 #
You can probably get your telephoto lens as a USED lens, and save a bundle by going with an older, MANUAL focus lens which fits your camera, then use the focus assist in the camera viewfinder to find sharp focus with confirmation.
Check Ebay, or the used departments of the large camera stores like B&H Photo in New York. They ship everywhere. www.bhphotovideo.com
I was thinking about the diopter issue... As I wrecked my own eyesight in high school during debate class, and later in college (microscopic note taking with technical pens, e.g. eight thousand plus words on one side of a 5.5 x 8.5 inch note pad page) I now must use trifocal glasses.
I would not consider taking my glasses off to shoot, as my decades of professional shooting have shown the need to be aware of everything, all the time. From this comes the best photography. Seeing as well as possible at all times, then dealing with the camera involved WITH your glasses or contact lenses in play, yields the best results. The downside is you scratch your glasses on your shooting eye side.
Check Ebay, or the used departments of the large camera stores like B&H Photo in New York. They ship everywhere. www.bhphotovideo.com
I was thinking about the diopter issue... As I wrecked my own eyesight in high school during debate class, and later in college (microscopic note taking with technical pens, e.g. eight thousand plus words on one side of a 5.5 x 8.5 inch note pad page) I now must use trifocal glasses.
I would not consider taking my glasses off to shoot, as my decades of professional shooting have shown the need to be aware of everything, all the time. From this comes the best photography. Seeing as well as possible at all times, then dealing with the camera involved WITH your glasses or contact lenses in play, yields the best results. The downside is you scratch your glasses on your shooting eye side.
Oct 1, 2011 22:58:21 #
nikondaddy
Loc: Mayfield,Kentucky
Get you a dioper fits on the back of view finder and corrected to your view so you see the view finder clearly for focus. It,slike putting glasses on your camera.
Oct 1, 2011 23:40:37 #
I shoot with cannon EOS Digital and Film cameras. On my Cannon digitals I've a feature called live view. Basically like a point and shoot the entire display screen now becomes a large focusing/subjet viewing screen. This makes any photography with a light source any in front of or to either side very easliy seen. I use this feature in macro photography to check my depth of field, as well as subject focus. I know that Nikon also offers this same feature,however I am not sure about your model. This would be a feature that would be desired for someone with slightly impaired vision. I myself am nearsighted and reccomend adjusting your diopter correction with eyeglasses/or contacts in place. Set up so that your focusing grid is the sharpest and clearest by moving your adjustment wheel. Once optimum sharpnees has been achieved your set.
Getting back to live view it does diminish battery life slightly. In the long run it will definetly improve your photograhy.It is just another tool to make photography enjoyable,and fun, I hope this helps. :thumbup:
Getting back to live view it does diminish battery life slightly. In the long run it will definetly improve your photograhy.It is just another tool to make photography enjoyable,and fun, I hope this helps. :thumbup:
Oct 2, 2011 01:24:10 #
I think for your first time shooting manual did an awesome job. Your exposures are good, you look to be in pretty good focus, and It appears you understand the relation of white balance, ISO and aperture and shutter speed nice work. hope this buils your confidence and then youcan start working on your compostition. Everything in time and all baby steps. Keep it up, your doing fantastic.
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