Ok guys, I'm a total newbie so be gentle. I just got my 40D a month or so ago and it's my first DSLR. I've been on the forums trying to be a sponge and this place is a great resource. Well, 2 weeks ago, I got my first real opportunity to take some pics outside. Anyways, C&C welcome. I'm always trying to learn from you guys.
Thanks.

1.

Some ok snapshots that might be of interest to the parent.

bonnerkopf wrote:
Some ok snapshots that might be of interest to the parent.

A little harsh don't you think?

I think they look pretty good considering how new you are to the DSLR world.

What mode and settings did you use?

1: Good expression, background a hair busy and I wish the ball was completely in the frame and a little lower. Timing just a hair off.

2: Cute, although I wish there was more space to the left of him. Sort of an awkward looking crop to me (but it's hard not being able to see the full photo at one time on my laptop) so maybe it's not too bad. Maybe a touch underexposed on my monitor.

3: Nice expression, but a little underexposed again.

4: Nice light on the face, but I'm not sure what is going on in the background, also because I don't know what is going on in the background it doesn't add in anything/detracts from the photo.

5: I like it. Very cute.

6: I like the expression, moment, but wish the kiddo in the background wasn't there. Maybe just crop it to be just him. I'm not really sure on this one what would look best....

7: Timing again. Wish the ball was closer to his hand. Face is a touch dark, too. Don't be afraid to lose highlights in exchange for the proper exposure on the face.

While there are a few little niggles here and there with regard to exposure and composition, I'd say that you did a good job. The one thing that I noticed immediately is that you were obviously sitting/laying on the ground. Excellent, especially with these little guys and girls. That's usually tip number one but often the most overlooked. Additionally, timing is everything so keep shooting and you'll get there. Overall I'd say you're off to a very good start.

Finally and IMO, your images are not what I would call snapshots by any means. And of course they will be of interest to the parents.

Thanks so much for the feedback so far guys. Jonathan, Steve and even bonnerkopf, thanks for your impressions. I will certainly take all your suggestions to heart and strive to make improvements so they are less likely to illicit "snapshot" descriptives. It is obvious that I'm yet still very green and that's ok as I have nowhere to go but up. This forum like all communities has many different types of people with varying opinions and I can appreciate that. I'm just glad to have found such a great place.

BTW, I was using aperture priority. I think most of the shots were taken at f/4 and at 200mm (the focal extreme of my lense) which might explain some of the softness.

And yes Steve, I was actually kneeling to capture most of these shots which again, was advice taken from one of the topics on this forum.

Finally, thanks for the encouragement guys. I did feel a bit intimidated posting these pics compared to some of the magazine cover material I frequently see splattered across this site, but I feel comfortable now.

Rob

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