Newbie looking for some constructive feedback

[ggjo1972]

I have been trying to learn and absorb as much as possible in an effort to simply take better pictures of my family.  I have wanted a decent camera for a few years and about two years ago my hubby surprised me with a 50d.  My hope has been and continues to be that I will learn to master my camera and learn about lighting and composition and processing an image.   I am eager to learn and feel like I am making progress, but the most important is that I do not have experience which translates into  knowledge about what it takes to make really great photographs.  I’m not even sure I would ever want to have a business, so that isn’t really an issue here.  I think so many people see dollar signs and hear the compliments from friends and family (which do make ya feel good for a few minutes).  Now I don’t really want to put down people for trying.  Obviously, I need to learn more before I criticize anyone’s work.  My problem is that I look around and see the “work” others are selling and I’m sad.  I come here and see the same kind people whose business I wouldn’t solicit and yet they are drumming up business.  Just like anything else, everyone has their own taste.  I get that.  The thing that really bothers me is that I have family that knows how much of a passion I have for learning about photography.  And of course, in my ideal world of dreams I would be a great photographer with my own business, but it is just that, a dream.  However, I have a cousin in particular who bought a Canon Rebel and less than 6 months later opened shop.  I’m so embarrassed by her work that when people say they see her pictures I cringe, I wonder if they think that is what I strive to do.  I can’t imagine how frustrating that must be to those who have years of training and experience who work so hard to make a living at something they have a true passion for.  I also happen to work for a lawyer who tells me of his constant frustration with “jail house lawyers” or “friends who know the law”  it drives him crazy.  He has spent so much money on his education and his time.  He is in a solo practice and it stuns me that people actually try to tell him the law.  So I suppose tne existence of fauxtogs  shouldn’t surprise me too much.  I guess it just makes me want to hang up my camera because if those are the kinds of images people want, I would never want to be in the business.  I’ll just keep on taking snapshots of my family and call it a day.  Thanks for letting me vent.  I was perusing facebook today and I was appalled at how many facebook photogs there are.

P.S. This is my first post and I am brand new here, but I actually did want to see if anyone could review a few of the pictures I have taken of my kiddos, nieces and friends (for FREE) just for practice.  Like I said, I am NOT in business and do NOT charge a dime for pictures, I’m just willing to do it for free for people I know who I tell to have low expectations and that I am practicing in an effort to learn.  If they are happy with some, then that’s a bonus.  I pick apart every picture trying to see what I did wrong and how to fix it next time, so any tips would be appreciated.  Thanks!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/90014955@N02/

[soaringturkeys]

Over all i think you are alright.

Composition

You have a hit and miss when it comes to composition. Sometimes it is fun to break rules but you have to be careful and know how to break rules well.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8183985663_839f423e84.jpg

The Composition with this photo is a little bit off. The blank space on the left really doesn’t add anything to the photo, if anything it detracts from it. You have to ask yourself why there is such a space there.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8184021436_af89c1a1d9.jpg

The composition with this one is a lot better. Even though you had the same theme, her face leaning back gives that space on the left meaning.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8184005472_4800039240.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8184024964_3475ba3640.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8184023164_3c74fbcd16.jpg

If you want to get better at photography. You have to start asking yourself the reasons for why you are shooting like that. What is the point of this wall apart from showing off the bokeh?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/90014955@N02/8183988649/in/photostream The composition with this works quite a lot better. It’s not just a gimmick of showing your DOP but rather it adds depth to your photo

 

I see you trying to break the rules but rules are there for a reason. Rules are there because your eye has a natural grace and pattern to it. If you want to break this rule, if you want to break any rule in anything.  You must have a really good reason and execute it well.

Overall your technical skill has a bit of improvement to go. You have a couple of great photos! Just remember to have meaning in your composition and you’ll be sweet 🙂

[ggjo1972]

Thanks.  I appreciate the feedback.  I think I tend to rush since I am so new, I’m a bit nervous and don’t put quite enough thought into getting what I want.  I see what you mean.  The ones you gave specific feedback on are of my niece who wanted a more “model” type shoot than typical senior picture shoot.  So I think I tried to get a different feel, moodier and more watching her than photographing her.  If that makes any sense.  Not sure that translated into the photos.  I think I need to slow down and focus a lot more and perhaps that might help me.   And pay more attention to the rules and practice them before breaking them.  Thanks again.

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