Alright photographers - critique please

[azouria]

I completely agree - it's something that's frustrating me at the moment. What I don't know at the moment is whether it's to do with aperture/ISO/shutter speed/white noise or the lens itself. I need to fiddle a bit to figure it out.

What Nikon lenses do you recommend - I can't afford to buy more than one (much as I'd like to have a macro, a fish-eye and a super-duper zoom) so it needs to be a workhorse that will allow me to shoot many different types of subject?

Many thanks for such a constructive (and kind!) critique.

P

I got all of my kit 2nd hand from ebay - a really nice SLR, a (normally super expensive) macro lens & a really nice zoom for just over £500. You can pick up some brilliant deals if you have a hunt and do some bidding!

As for the photos, definitely think you have an eye, and there are some lovely shots in there. Just a couple of things - a few are a bit overexposed and some are a bit noisy (although I presume that's from the film camera so not much you can do anyway?). In terms of tweaking photos, it makes SO much difference, so definitely worth doing - here's an example so you can see just how much it helps:

before

after

oops sorry they're so big, not really sure how to make them smaller?

 

[RutlandH2O]

Twizzel makes some excellent points (and great shots!).

I am not a professional photographer (although I had many dog photos published years ago when I lived in Hawaii). Being a breeder/exhibitor of dogs, my photos may not have been the best, technically, but I knew how to present my subjects. As such, I had a faithful following of friends and acquaintances who preferred my services to some of the pros.

I'm now much older and make photos for myself, family and friends. Arthritis dictates the weight of cameras and lenses available to me. Without having the pros jump down my throat, I have been using the Nikon 18-200 and 70-300 on a D7000. My first 18-200 was so soft I sold it. However, I liked the idea of one-lens-for-most-situations, so I purchased another one and couldn't be happier. It is so much sharper than the first one. Since most of my shots are of animals outdoors, the slowness of the lens isn't too much of problem. I have much faster fixed focal length lenses, but the flexibility of the aforementioned suits me fine. I use the 70-300 at outdoor horse shows (Shires, so no eventing or show jumping with which to contend).

Twizzel's suggestion of the 70-200 f2.8 is probably one of the best for your situation. Depending on your budget, you might consider the ones I mentioned above. Whatever you decide, the best of luck to you.

 

[ghost&secret]

I don't know anything about photography so can not comment on anything techy of sorts ! Your flowers and views are beautiful but If I am honest your horses in sport are just 'run of the mill' shots. Prehaps as you cannot get to the Pro positions you could concentrate on where you can get to - the finish line, start box, Collecting ring etc and get those candid shots. Your creative side has to go into overdrive !! Just a thought business wise ... how about submitting photos to magazines, card and postcard companies. My brother is heavily involved with cycling and although not a professional photographer as he know the riders and sport inside out, gets a few super shots and has had many photo's used in well known cycling mags.

 

[PolarSkye]

Twizzel makes some excellent points (and great shots!).

I am not a professional photographer (although I had many dog photos published years ago when I lived in Hawaii). Being a breeder/exhibitor of dogs, my photos may not have been the best, technically, but I knew how to present my subjects. As such, I had a faithful following of friends and acquaintances who preferred my services to some of the pros.

I'm now much older and make photos for myself, family and friends. Arthritis dictates the weight of cameras and lenses available to me. Without having the pros jump down my throat, I have been using the Nikon 18-200 and 70-300 on a D7000. My first 18-200 was so soft I sold it. However, I liked the idea of one-lens-for-most-situations, so I purchased another one and couldn't be happier. It is so much sharper than the first one. Since most of my shots are of animals outdoors, the slowness of the lens isn't too much of problem. I have much faster fixed focal length lenses, but the flexibility of the aforementioned suits me fine. I use the 70-300 at outdoor horse shows (Shires, so no eventing or show jumping with which to contend).

Twizzel's suggestion of the 70-200 f2.8 is probably one of the best for your situation. Depending on your budget, you might consider the ones I mentioned above. Whatever you decide, the best of luck to you.

Thanks for this . . . off to look at some f2.8 70-200 lenses . Also time to start working on OH . . .

P

 

[PolarSkye]

If I am honest your horses in sport are just 'run of the mill' shots. Prehaps as you cannot get to the Pro positions you could concentrate on where you can get to - the finish line, start box, Collecting ring etc and get those candid shots. Your creative side has to go into overdrive !! Just a thought business wise ... how about submitting photos to magazines, card and postcard companies. My brother is heavily involved with cycling and although not a professional photographer as he know the riders and sport inside out, gets a few super shots and has had many photo's used in well known cycling mags.

Re horsey shots - yes, I know exactly what you mean. Will see if I can be more creative there . . . it's a fun challenge . Going to Newbury Show this w/e so will see what I can come up with there . . .

Business-wise - that's a great idea.

P