Re: Getting better photos -how?

On 28 Jun 2006 04:38:37 -0700, "Arild P." <no-spam2@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Having spent a few weeks getting used to my new SLR setup (Canon EOS
350D/Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5 DC macro lens) I can't help but wonder why
none of my photos turn out like the ones I see in the many galleries
online.
I spent weeks reading tests, web-discussions etc. before deciding on
the Sigma which should supposedly be a very good "allround" lens.
So, disappointed, wondering if I had ended up with crappy equipment I
specifically searched the web for photos taken with this lens to
confirm this.

Much to my surprise I found some fantastic photos taken with the very
same lens!!
Just look at these:

http://www.pbase.com/alextsung/minter_gardens&page=all
http://www.pbase.com/smallufo/20060324
http://www.pbase.com/bpecsek/image/57442669
http://www.pbase.com/nickypenny/image/56996707

As you can see they're (especially the first link with all those
flowers) crystal-clear, sharp and very "lively". Exactly the results
I'm looking for.

... but here are some of my photos:
http://home.c2i.net/w-460389/photos/

(the images haven't been retouched or edited in any way. All I did was
resize the JPGs to 25%, then resave them as JPG again with a 100%
quality setting).

I perceive my photos as boring, "life-less" snaphots, and nowhere near
as razor-sharp as the ones I found taken by others. So what am I doing
wrong?
I'm really just starting to learn how to use the manual controls of an
SLR, but really not getting anywhere.

You might want to check the EXIF info on any pics you look at as a
start. It will tell you (if still there) the settings that the
photographer used.

For example your img_0364 EXIF =

Make - Canon
Model - Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
Orientation - Top left
XResolution - 72
YResolution - 72
ResolutionUnit - Inch
DateTime - 2006:06:04 18:21:50
YCbCrPositioning - Co-Sited
ExifOffset - 4848
ExposureTime - 1/800 seconds
FNumber - 4.50
ExposureProgram - Aperture priority
ISOSpeedRatings - 100
ExifVersion - 0221
DateTimeOriginal - 2006:06:04 18:21:50
DateTimeDigitized - 2006:06:04 18:21:50
ComponentsConfiguration - YCbCr
ShutterSpeedValue - 1/800 seconds
ApertureValue - F 4.50
ExposureBiasValue - 0.00
MeteringMode - Multi-segment
Flash - Not fired, compulsory flash mode
FocalLength - 28 mm
FlashPixVersion - 0100
ColorSpace - sRGB
ExifImageWidth - 3456
ExifImageHeight - 2304
InteroperabilityOffset - 5166
FocalPlaneXResolution - 3954.23
FocalPlaneYResolution - 3958.76
FocalPlaneResolutionUnit - Inch
CustomRendered - Normal process
ExposureMode - Auto
WhiteBalance - Auto
SceneCaptureType - Standard


......now right off the bat i'd say you need to decrease the aperature
(+F num) to get more depth of field first. Secondly, it seem obvious
you used no sharpening - or unsharp mask after you downsized -
and.....how did you resample? Some sort of APPLE MARK app?
Hmmm 72 dpi is charachteristic of PS. Anyway.......

May i suggest posting some of your pics to
alt.binaries.photos.original and simply ask for critique and helpful
suggestions. They are as a lot very helpful and very nice. From
composition to editing; you will get mostly useful stuff.

Why 28mm??- so you probably could have gotten closer - why not 60mm?

lessee....350canon ... Ok, Set the focus point to
center//centerpoint. Set the exposure to (-1) or (-1-1/3). Set the
creative zone to "P" (all the metering works but you can adjust
it).Find your hot spot on the subject, lock the exposure "*" and then
adjust the fstop to about f8 at least. Then focus on the point you
want in...and hold down the button and re frame- and shoot.

The thing is - to remember to adjust the fstop. When your're short,
you need a higher fstop to get enough dof.

Later, crop the pic til you get the composition that you like. THEN
adjust the size.

That's a real short and dirty. Look at what other people do and ask
them how they didi it, and look at their exif info if they leave it.

short and dirty..hope that's ok. Best of luck
rgds
KenEllis



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