Novice Photographer
 

A friend of mine took this picture with the digital camera I let her use a for a couple of days. She normally uses one of those throw away cameras. I find this pic posted here that she took very good. I like the repetition of content being the leaves and the fact that the center leaf seems to stand out. I find it to be artistic. What do you all think.



http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p.../0911_0450.jpg

Do you want real artistic critique, so that she might learn and get better at photography? If so, I can offer some. I am an artist, not a photographer, but the fundamentals are the same.

I can see why you could find the design of the leaves pleasing. However, the photo was taken with a flash, and would be much improved if it were done with natural light. Natural light casts interesting shadows, and reveals richer color than flash photography . . . both which give greater depth to a photograph. She also was a little too close to the subject, as evidenced by the fact that those center leaves, the brightest ones (because they caught the flash) are slightly out of focus, whereas the ones surrounding them are more crispy outlined. It is always better if you can stand back and zoom in.

Here is an example of ivy shot in natural light, using the shadows to lend it interest and depth:
http://www.pixieplots.co.nz/images/ivy.jpg

If she were to step back, open the blinds, and set the camera on "backlight" (assuming the camera has this setting) and try again, I can almost guarantee that the result would be even more pleasing.

Here is what a backlit ivy might look like:
http://laurabolesta.com/art/house/ivy-window.gif

Contrary to what you may think about centering the subject of a photo, you will actually get a better composition if you make the center of interest slightly off-center toward any of the four corners. It is also best to not shoot a subject straight on, but to allow the angles in it to give the photo some depth. This is why I recommend natural light, as flash will flatten out an image and take away the form and depth that make the subject so inviting.

I might suggest that you and she spend a little time doing to online reading about digital photography. There are many resources available for free if you just google "digital photography."

And don't quit taking pictures . . . just think about what you want the finished photo to say before you click the shutter. Soon you will be looking for a photography forum to share you work with!

Thank you so much for the detailed advice. I have learned a lot from it. I will be attending a beginner photography class Tuesday to learn about the SLR Canon I bought last year that I know nothing about. I've got so much to learn but I find it all so interesting and can't wait to take professional shots. Btw, I love your pics and they were very instrumental in helping me see the point you were making.

Thanks,
barbara

I did not make any of those pics myself, but found the best examples I could on the internet. Good for you for signing up for a class. We will look forward to more photos in the future! And you are welcome . . .

Thanks again and I certaintly will post future pics.

barbara

I'm a leaf person ... and love the ivy ...

many of the pics on my profile were taken with the throw-away - I have some awesome lighthouse pics taken that way ...

I have a simple digital camera ... and that's what the quilted items were taken with ...

one step at a time ... that's great that you want to try something new!!

Thank you Vonn. I had some difficulties with taking pictures and still do at times with my SLR. I hope to take some pictures of wildlife tomorrow like birds or squirrels.

barbara