Just Practicing

Angels 2010 · Dec 1, 2009

Got some tips on photo taking from Gary at Reefpets.com and finally got around to trying them out today. These are my first pics I have ever taken on other than full auto. I used ISO 200, F-stop 4(???), WB set to AUTO(i think) and on the camera's TV setting. I'm thinking of making the f-stop 5 or 6. Yes, no? He suggested using the timer but I didn't take the time to figure out how to do this. I also used a tripod. Unfortunately, my setup does not allow for me to take top down shots, so these are all through the glass. First pic is w/o picture program's "auto-correct", second pic is. Also, all photos were cropped. Also, any and all constructive criticism is welcome. Enjoy:
Blueberry Watermelon Chalice

Rainbow Acan

Hillae Acan

AOGs(???) 2 sets:

Angels 2010 · Dec 1, 2009

All the colors look pretty true to life except the chalice as it looks brighter in person. That is probably because it is in slight shade and farther back than the rest.

H@rry · Dec 2, 2009

If you take your shots in RAW mode then you can adjust your white balance colors is post processing. Google Picassa is a free download that will allow you to do that. You can then save them as JPEG.

You're off to a good start, just keep it up!

Angels 2010 · Dec 2, 2009

thanks, i will try that...

Midwest Frags · Dec 2, 2009

What kind of camera are you using?

As far as adjusting the images, be sure to not over expose the image. You will loose much of the detail in the image especially the last one. Also you may want to bump up the aperture a bit in an attempt to get more of the subject in focus.

Other than that, a very nice first attempt!

Matt

m and m · Dec 2, 2009

Want some BIG change, bump your iso to 100 set your F-stop to 14 or 16 use a tripod and set your shutter speed to what it needs to be. After that is done then you can try and master cutsom white balance, this is trickey but gets you some sick pictures.

Angels 2010 · Dec 2, 2009

Midwest Frags said:
What kind of camera are you using?

As far as adjusting the images, be sure to not over expose the image. You will loose much of the detail in the image especially the last one. Also you may want to bump up the aperture a bit in an attempt to get more of the subject in focus.

Other than that, a very nice first attempt!

Matt

thank you very much. I agree on the last one. For some reason the only good pics i ever get right are my hillae...

m and m said:
Want some BIG change, bump your iso to 100 set your F-stop to 14 or 16 use a tripod and set your shutter speed to what it needs to be. After that is done then you can try and master cutsom white balance, this is trickey but gets you some sick pictures.

thanks, i will try that too. BTW, it is a tripod, and i broke out the manual so i can try to understand everything you guys are telling me and how to adjust them. I think i understand how to adjust everything except shutter speed, but i'm sure the manual will give me that.

This is such a frustrating process but i think the end result will be worth it...

Angels 2010 · Dec 2, 2009

Oh yeah, it's a Canon EOS rebel XtI 400D, got it a few years back. Lens is the 18-55mm that comes with the camera. I also have a 300mm zoom lens that i have not tried. Oh yeah, the wife put some traditional 55m uv filter on it. I really want a 100mm macro but need to master what i have first...