critique pictures?

Question

I enjoy taking photos, and I'd like to see if I'm any good at it. All but the last one are of horses. The last one is my dog. If you'd like to see more just ask and I'll add some from my trip to Disney world.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/KrabbyPatti/Img_0727.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/KrabbyPatti/Img_0725.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/KrabbyPatti/Img_0718.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/KrabbyPatti/Img_0701.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/KrabbyPatti/riley.jpg

ok I uploaded more:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/KrabbyPatti/Img_0736.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/KrabbyPatti/Picture10.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/KrabbyPatti/Picture9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/KrabbyPatti/Picture8.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/KrabbyPatti/Picture7.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/KrabbyPatti/Picture11.jpg
http://myspace-369.vo.llnwd.net/00867/96/34/867074369_m.jpg
http://myspace-864.vo.llnwd.net/00867/46/82/867082864_m.jpg
http://myspace-042.vo.llnwd.net/00867/24/07/867087042_m.jpg
http://myspace-442.vo.llnwd.net/00867/24/48/867088442_m.jpg

what do you think of those? I took them (not the first one) with a disposable so yeah they're probably really cruddy.

Answer 1

Your compositions are a bit lacking. The photograph of the eye could be pushed further by getting even closer to the horse focusing on texture, color and manipulation of light. Read some books on abstract photography its great. In my opinion this would be more interesting then the run of the mill "eye" shot you see in every MySpace profile. The photograph of the horse in behind the fence was my favorite. I enjoy photographs which challenge the norm which states your point of interest should not be directly center of the print. I think its a bold move on your part. I would read some photo books and look at some artist work. Dont forget alternate points of view. Stand on chair or lay on the ground to get different shots.

Answer 2

I have been in photography for many years, while not currently professionally. Your first horse shot is interesting. I like the reflection of you in the horse's eye. The image is over-exposed and not as sharp as it could be but it is an interesting shot.

The other photos are ok but I would like to give you some advice. I do not know your level of photography knowledge so I am going to be quite basic.

There is a rule of thirds in photography. If you draw 2 equally spaced lines in the frame both horizontally and vertically (so you end up with 9 smaller squares on the picture), the point of interest should fall within one of the 4 intersections of these lines. This is called the rule of thirds (because each section created by the lines is 1/3 of the image in the horizontal or vertical direction)/ Your first shot of the close up of the horses eye is very close to meeting this rule.

The second shot of the horse with it's head between the fence wires would meet this rule if the horse's head was slightly more to the left. If you notice, there is too much "dead space" space to the left on this image.

The third shot of the horse running towards you is just the opposite. There is a lot of "dead space" to the right in this image. Shift your camera so the running horse is near one of the right 2 intersections and it is more pleasing to the eye.

The fourth image also has the same "dead space" to the right of the image. This is an interesting shot, with both horses looking the same direction, but imagine the image further to the right with the horses looking across their bodies and out of the frame.

If there are non-eyepleasing subjects near a shot, try re-framing to keep this out of the final shot but still keep the frame full of interest.

I have never taken any photography classes. Everything I have learned was through reading and studying other photographer's works as well as practice, practice practice! There are many great learning books! Finding a photography group that meets and critics each other's works is always edifying as well.

I hope this helps and good luck as you work to improve your skills! It is a never ending process and great fun to explore new things in the process.

Answer 3

Good job! I have found the best way to improve my art is to ask myself what I want to show the viewer. If I want to show, for example, how silky and curved the back of a horse is, I would try different shots of his/her back. On the other hand if I want to show the horses running ability, I would make sure the legs are in the photo and not cropped. Good questions are what, where, who and when. You don't have to answer them all in a photo but it will help you become better and better. Good luck. You have a knack for being an interesting and good photographer.

Answer 4

Very nice!
i love the one with the horse and the dust blowing at it's feet while it's heads turned downwards..............real moving, a real beauty. It almost told a whole story.

If you want my advise.........The fundamental rule of photography is Light, technically speaking....then you have to be able to capture a fluid moment. a sum of an experience in a single frame which is dependant on luck mostly but also the ability to understand the human condition and it's inherent messiness and that comes from life itself. No school can teach you that.
The best photographer, i think, doesn't let herself be led by changing trends rather what she feels is right.

just my humble amateurish opinion.Nice pics you got there , keep it up!

Answer 5

A couple of those were really good. Some of the others not so much. Sorry to be brutally honest. If you want to see good work and get objective critiques of your photography, join American Zoetrope. I joined a few years ago and submitted some of what I thought was my best work. The whole thing is very professionally done and is really helpful. It is operated by Francis Coppola so you know it is all top-notch work. Go to:

http://www.zoetrope.com/

and click on 'Join Now'. It's 100% free, I've never gotten spam from them, nor have any complaints.

Answer 6

I think they are very nice. You have talent. Keep on practicing.
I like the running horse very much and the closeup of the eye.
good luck

Answer 7

that first picture is so cool! Its almost like a self-protrait becaus you can see your reflection in the horse's eye! NICE JOB!!