rate my xti photos...?

Question

Besides the domes, which is essentially a big greenhouse, I haven't really gotten to a really good shooting location...I've only been shooting photos (and not just snapshots) for about half a year, so don't be too harsh...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12389378@N07/page1/

Check the first two pages-the one with the plants, wavy lights and dogs (although feel free to look at other photos, too). The dogs might've been a little blurry 'cause it was overcast and they were moving fast, although that probably won't be much of a problem when viewing the images small.

Please give me some feedback and advice (preferabely from experienced photographers).

Also, for more info, I was using a rebel XTi, handheld for all, with a regular zoom lens 28-90mm f/4.0-5.6 (I wanted to get it cheaper so I just took my 35mm lens off and changed them) no IS or USM or DO or anything fancy like that. Mostly on monochrome, aperature priority AE, average shutter speed=1/60.
Thanks

Answer 1

In this forum you're likely to get responses from total newbies, enthusiastic intermediates, pseudoexperts, wannabees and maybe a pro or two.

I'd suggest that you go to the local library and get some books by master photographers.

Those are the people whose opinions really count, and whose work speaks for itself.

Answer 2

I am not a "total newbie, enthusiastic intermediate, pseudo-expert, wannabee"
In light of the previous answer I feel the need to present my credentials.

I have dealt with photography on many levels for decades. I have a degree in photography (BFA) as well as post- grad work in graphics and academics (American Studies with a specialization in art based subcultures). I have started and run two galleries and performed extensive curatorial work. I have done commercial, editorial and fine art photography. I have taught photography.

If you want critiques of your work the "masters" won't help you. What the masters can teach you are; the use of light, composition, treatment of subject matter, perspective among other things. Constantly look at work;new & old by masters and by your peers The best way to improve your work is to have it critiqued by someone with no ties to you or your work. You can join or start a photo club in your area. Many colleges and universities have photo clubs. An art group should also give you the support you need. If there is not one that fits your needs (level of expertise, aesthetic etc.) you can start one in you area or online.

Now for your work...
Your work is well done but it needs more of you in it. These are images many photographers can take, what can you do to it to make it yours...When shooting remember your image operates on three planes, background, fore ground and the mid -ground. This is even more important on the macro level. These are the areas that allow you to manipulate your image. This happens with your subject placement, use of shadows, depth of field, focus field, and perspective these create; tension, movement and ultimately your composition. Successful composition makes a spacial relationship that the camera records. Another component that you control is mood, some of the elements that make this up are light, dark, shadow, contrast, texture and perspective think of these as your paintbrush.

I would seriously think about taken a fine art photo class...sit in on it first to make sure it fits your needs.
You need to push yourself and your work to get what you are looking for. I hope this helps

Answer 3

You are off to a really good start and to your credit you are aware it is just a start. On forums like this you have to learn to ignore the "Wow they are awesome" and "Wow they stink" posts and look into the constructive critiques. I would suggest you find a local camera club, one that holds competitions and that you sit through a few competitions listening to what the judges are looking for in an image. I think you will quickly pick up improvements. Keep shooting and have fun!

Answer 4

Work on composition and use color to your advantage. Remember the rule of thirds; you have the stem smack dab in the middle of the picture with nothing but dead air to the right. Also try shooting this as a vertical instead of horizontal.

Answer 5

These are kind of okay, they seem like a beginner took them in a way. I don't see any creativity in these pictures really...it's just a point and shoot and some manual focus, that's all they seem to be to me. The flowers and plant pictures are okay, but the rest seem more so of like a point and shoot. I could do some of these with my cheap point and shoot camera.

Answer 6

you remind me alot of myself ...taking alot of closeups. my only advice is try new subjects like people or landscapes and try to vary it up some, but your off to a good start

Answer 7

I'd say that most of them are pretty average.

The compositions are ok.