what do you think baout my picts?

Question

I want to do pet portraits...something small for friends and family, but dont know if i am good enough.

These pictures were taken with a cheap 150$ digital camera.

I am looking for another camera to buy (nikon only!!)

but anyway are they okay?

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v715/atredway2788/?action=view¤t=Picture004-1.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v715/atredway2788/?action=view¤t=DSCN7737.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v715/atredway2788/?action=view¤t=Picture120.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v715/atredway2788/?action=view¤t=Picture005-2.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v715/atredway2788/?action=view¤t=Picture003-1.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v715/atredway2788/?action=view¤t=Picture005-3.jpg

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v715/atredway2788/?action=view¤t=Picture001-2.jpg


http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v715/atredway2788/?action=view¤t=l_e9cec151b972591c629fb3d7da6939d8.jpg

the cat is suppose to be out of focus, the plant is also suppose to be of colored.

Answer 1

Not bad, and a couple of pretty nice ones. The sleeping terrier was a good capture, but needs some white balance correction. The dog in the field was good, and one of the cat pictures. The red dog in the store was all right, would have been better if the background had not been distracting. With a $150 digicam, it will be hard to get the background out of focus. The out of focus cat doesn't work very well as a pet portrait, whether you meant it or not. I also don't care for the flower, but I am not a fan of highly photoshopped and overdone contrast. Others may love it.

Anyway, you certainly can and should shoot your family and friends' animals, it is a great way to learn. If you are asking should you be paid for shooting, well, that is between you and your potential clients. At your current level with the equipment you have now, I'd say no.

If you are looking for a dSLR, the Nikon D40 is a very capable entry level camera. It does have some lens restrictions, but if you don't own a lot of Nikon glass already, that shouldn't be a problem. The kit lens is not a bad performer, and will certainly do to start with. If you haven't already, get a few books on beginning photography and learn about camera settings and composition, color management, etc etc. Take a class if you can. Best wishes, keep learning and practicing.

Answer 2

I think you have some really nice pet photos. I don't care much for the out of focus cat, but that's your vision. I like the off colored flowers though. I think you are off to a great start. If I may suggest, check out www.pwsbooks.com . You read a chapter and they give you an assignment and you upload it to the web for critique. Great way to hone your skills and learn new things. You are doing a great job. Unfortunately, I am a canon user, so can't be much help on the Nikon. Look at their version of the canon rebel xti and get it. That would be a great starter camera. I just bought the rebel xti for my 16 year old niece and she has won several contest with photos from it this year. I am sure Nikon has a version of it. Hope I have helped you a little bit. Good luck!

Answer 3

You're off to a great start with these photos. You have some really nice ones here for a consumer level camera. You will benefit and LOVE the features of a DSLR. I have a Canon 20D (sorry, no nikon here ;) and it's been an great camera to work with. You get so much more creative control with a DSLR than the average consumer level point and shoots. You'll be hooked in a heartbeat! If a DSLR is what you're looking into (which I highly suggest for portrait work) be sure to do some research on shooting images in RAW format too. There's a nice advantage to doing RAW and I combine RAW and jpeg so I have a jpeg quick copy to work with and RAW for later for more creative control.

Have you joined up with any photography sites yet? There are some good ones out there where you can get really good feedback on your work.

Answer 4

They're okay, nothing special. First picture of your cat is very out of focus. The colors look really off on the plant.

Do you ever photograph nature or landscapes or people? Just curious.

Answer 5

theyre good dont worry just follow your heart and do what you want to do :D