Still Learning: This picture was from the end of summer as well as its matting one that I took trying out my 50mm cannon lens. I still feel I'm over compensating on the lighting? I...

John K Loc: Old Saybrook, CT

This picture was from the end of summer as well as its matting one that I took trying out my 50mm cannon lens. I still feel I'm over compensating on the lighting? I didn't use a filter and not sure what type to use. All comment are welcomed.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

John K wrote:

This picture was from the end of summer as well as its matting one that I took trying out my 50mm cannon lens. I still feel I'm over compensating on the lighting? I didn't use a filter and not sure what type to use. All comment are welcomed.

John,

On the first image, you needed to have a F stop opened up to blur the trees the the background. They are as sharp as the wheels and as a result your eyes go to the upright trees.

In the second image you are dealing with sun and shade. Tonal range. I would have changed the shooting angle to avoid the sun light blacktop.If you have Lightroom you can fix those images. I like CPL Polarizing filter for landscapes.

loosecanon Loc: Central Texas

Personally, I'd prefer to use 1/3 -2/3 stop of negative exposure comp. Also, on #2 a polarizer might reduce those blown highlights.

leftj Loc: Texas

John K wrote:

This picture was from the end of summer as well as its matting one that I took trying out my 50mm cannon lens. I still feel I'm over compensating on the lighting? I didn't use a filter and not sure what type to use. All comment are welcomed.

I agree the exposure is a little high. Also consider that B&W for a pic with subject like this.

Joe Blow

John K wrote:

This picture was from the end of summer as well as its matting one that I took trying out my 50mm cannon lens. I still feel I'm over compensating on the lighting? I didn't use a filter and not sure what type to use. All comment are welcomed.

I agree with the other critiques. I would add in #1 to crop out the black trailer in the background. A photo doesn't need to be a specified size such as 2x3. A pan view of 2x5, or any custom size, can find a framer that will fill your need.

Another suggestion would be to get higher and shoot down. I often carry a two step ladder for situations like #1. Also, laying on the grass with a shooting up (or use the tilt screen) to get some green back ground. (Avoid tree trunks because they are the same color as the wagon)

I don't think you need any filter. You could have used a Neutral Density in order to open up your aperture. However, lowering your ISO and raising your shutter speed could have done the same thing.

John K Loc: Old Saybrook, CT

Wow !! Thank you for all the tips. It helps when you get feed back like that. Again I'm learning a lot from all of you. Thank You Again

wayne barnett Loc: Grants Pass, Oregon

To me they seem a little tight. Take a step or so back so part of the subject is not cut off.

loosecanon Loc: Central Texas

wayne barnett wrote:

To me they seem a little tight. Take a step or so back so part of the subject is not cut off.

Ageed.

rdrechsler Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA

I agree with all the comments, but I would have probably cropped out the over-exposed, non-descript background in the second shot. If a better angle wasn’t possible, the “blown highlights” could be fixed any number of ways in LR or PS.