My Second Outing

[AggieHunter]

Took the new (to me) camera out yesterday for the second time. I still have a lot to learn, but I am very pleased with the results thus far. There are 3 or 4 cacti on this fenceline that I drive past every day with red blooms. Let me know what yall think. I also finally got a flickr account so I'm gonna try posting through there.

[TexaswBOWhunter]

Great looking shots... Great job!!!

[Tom Kidwell]

It's obvious you're having a blast and taking some great shots!

[Shane]

Those are awesome! Flowers are tough to photograph, tougher than you think anyway. The bright colors and thin petals are easily overexposed (blown out). You did well. I love the one with the bee in it.

[Casey]

Well done. Keep hammering the shutter....and sharing here!

[Hawg]

I don't like the first one much. I'm not sure why. Maybe too much green in the background? Definately a healthy cactus though, lots of new growth.

The second photo is good. You might have too tight of a DOF, i'm not sure I like all of the post out of focus. It might just be a little tight. otherwise, good pic. I like the subject matter.

the third photo is good. I would have preferred a tighter DOF on this one to blur the background more and got tighter on the flower. would have made it POP more.

In the forth pic, I would have cropped the bee to one of the anchor points in the rule of thirds. I probably would have cropped out the thorns at the bottom. those to me distract from the bee. Otherwise, it's a good pic.

The fifth pic is good, i would have liked to see all the stamen (wow, I remember fifth grade biology) in focus. But, very good photo.

The last photo is a bit confusing. I'm not sure what the subject is supposed to be, the fence or the cactus bloom?

You're doing great for your second outing. As Rob would say, you have "the eye". Keep shooting, as Casey said. The more you shoot, the better you'll become. As some famous photog said...you'll never learn anything from the photos you don't take. In the digital age, photos are cheap...so learning is cheap. you're doing great so far, keep learning!

[Justin]

Nice job. I like 'em!

I think #2 is my favorite.

[Hillary]

Nice shots mister.
Keep it up

[AggieHunter]

Thanks for the critique/constructive criticism. If anyone has anything else to contribute I'm all ears. I love hearing what people have to say about my photos as it helps make me better, and to just know overall if they're of decent quality/composition. I've added comments to your comments. I always find it interesting the way different people look at photos.

Thanks again for the comments!

I don't like the first one much. I'm not sure why. Maybe too much green in the background? Definately a healthy cactus though, lots of new growth.

That was partially the goal here. I wanted a lot of blooms and more of a bigger picture instead of just the flower

The second photo is good. You might have too tight of a DOF, i'm not sure I like all of the post out of focus. It might just be a little tight. otherwise, good pic. I like the subject matter.

I actually cut out a lot of the post b/c I agree that I didn't like that much blurred post (you woulda hated the uncropped version ). Although I didn't use the rule of 1/3s on this, I have a hard time doing this w/ macro since so much of the picture is blurred out. I wanted to focus on the staple and the intersection more so thats why I got it so close.

the third photo is good. I would have preferred a tighter DOF on this one to blur the background more and got tighter on the flower. would have made it POP more.

I didn't like the way this shot turned out at first, but now I really like it. I think I have a few that didn't make the cut that were zoomed closer. In this one, the subject matter is obviously the flower, but the partially blurred background with the post give it somewhat of a scene.

In the forth pic, I would have cropped the bee to one of the anchor points in the rule of thirds. I probably would have cropped out the thorns at the bottom. those to me distract from the bee. Otherwise, it's a good pic.

If you check out my flickr page you will see the original photo. I went round and round with where I should crop, but your point is very well taken

The fifth pic is good, i would have liked to see all the stamen (wow, I remember fifth grade biology) in focus. But, very good photo.

You and me both!! I was having a heck of a time trying to get this flower focused b/c the wind would blow it from one side of the frame to the next. I waited for a little lull, came to quick focus then it was full auto for 5 or 6 frames This is the best I got.

The last photo is a bit confusing. I'm not sure what the subject is supposed to be, the fence or the cactus bloom?

I really wanted to incorporate both with an emphasis on the flower. I see what you mean about the possible multiple subjects though.

You're doing great for your second outing. As Rob would say, you have "the eye". Keep shooting, as Casey said. The more you shoot, the better you'll become. As some famous photog said...you'll never learn anything from the photos you don't take. In the digital age, photos are cheap...so learning is cheap. you're doing great so far, keep learning!

[Hawg]

I checked out your Flickr. Being a frequent Gate Bit**, I like the picture of the locks on the gate.

I like the second pic of the post and staple and wire the best. I just wish more of the post was in focus to the left of the staple. You're doing great for just getting a camera. I can't wait to see more from you.

[Sunshine]

I'm just here as an observer, nice work

[Hoyt Man]

Nice pics Clint!!

[coach_stew]

great pictures!!!

[WyoBull]

You are off to a great start! Remember that anything can be photographed so there is always something to be practiced on. Shoot, I have even photographed my electrical meter testing depth of field and white balance. Have fun and thanks for posting some very nice pics!

[windwalker]

Nice shots