Pic critiques

[Michael Hetrick]

I have been going through the gallery and looking at a lot of shots. I realize that I have made some critiques that may not be accepted on face value. In the past my pals and I would pretty much just tear up each others photo's from a purely technical point of view. None of us took it personal or serious and we all pretty much became better technical photogs because of it.

Please don't take my critiques as anything more than they are....just some guys un-educated thoughts. Hell, they may not even be right. I am pretty harsh on my own stuff, but to tell the truth, some of my favorite shots in my whole life of photography are very technically flawed. But I like to think had I not thought about all the things my friends said about my technique that I might have never been able to get those favorites because they would have had too much technical issues to even turn out.

Anyway, I would love to hear your ideas on my shots. I know that none of the one's I have posted are near my best, but it is going to take awhile before I can load up my good stuff.

It is exciting to me to get back into this thing that has been a passion for so much of my life.

[Diamond Lil]

Sometimes critiques may be hard to hear Mike, but in the end they only serve to make me better. I do truly look forward to hearing what folks have to say.

[pegdragger]

Fire away Mike. Constructve criticism only makes me better at what i love to do.

[Max]

I agree that it usually makes us all better, if we agree or not it always sticks in our minds and often in time alters the way we do things.

[Michael Hetrick]

Exactly, I will think something like "Mike, you know you have that depth of field issue" and correct my settings, but I would have never known it if my buddy hadn't said "you can't focus deeper than a 1/4 inch, can you?" And then explained how. I never realized that there was anything wrong, or that I could do anything about it. Now I know and am better because someone brought it up.

[pegdragger]

I am starting to learn DOF techniques myself. I need a lot more practice.

[roadhog]

i don't mind 'pic critiques' at all, i need those to do better next time although i must admit that for the time being it's my camera that's doing most of the work (click wheel on 'A' as in automatic...), at least for as long as i'm not truly familiar with all those manual settings

[Michael Hetrick]

i don't mind 'pic critiques' at all, i need those to do better next time although i must admit that for the time being it's my camera that's doing most of the work (click wheel on 'A' as in automatic...), at least for as long as i'm not truly familiar with all those manual settings

The camera has little to do with composition and framing. It just takes some of the technical aspects and makes them easier, right? A picture of dog poo is still dog poo whether taken on a cell phone or 10MP super digital cam. If you have a good eye, it is evident in your subject. But not that I have any opinion on it.

[pegdragger]

i don't mind 'pic critiques' at all, i need those to do better next time although i must admit that for the time being it's my camera that's doing most of the work (click wheel on 'A' as in automatic...), at least for as long as i'm not truly familiar with all those manual settings

I have to agree with Mike. I saw the pic of the castle in Scotland. It was gorgeous and well framed. Sure the pics are very nice from the camera, but you framed that one very well. I am part of a local photo forum here in the Albany area, and have learned a lot from them just by asking questions and going on shoots with them.

Take it off 'A' and play with it a little. You wont be sorry!!

[Diamond Lil]

I have to agree with Mike. I saw the pic of the castle in Scotland. It was gorgeous and well framed. Sure the pics are very nice from the camera, but you framed that one very well. I am part of a local photo forum here in the Albany area, and have learned a lot from them just by asking questions and going on shoots with them.

Take it off 'A' and play with it a little. You wont be sorry!!

The beauty of digital photography! This couldn't be easier to do.

[pegdragger]

Lil, I agree. Best thing about digital is if you don't like it, delete it and take another!! Doesn't cost a thing!

[Michael Hetrick]

Take it off 'A' and play with it a little. You wont be sorry!!

Yeah, my only caveat is to PLAY with it.

I wouldn't shoot anything you want to keep like oh, I dunno, your kids high school graduation, out of auto until you know what your are doing. I will have to upload some pics of my sons high school graduation to show what happens when you do. :D:D:D

BTW- I want to take back the word "critique" and insert "comment" everywhere I have used it. Critique fosters a feeling of being judged by a superior and I am not superior in any way to anyone when it comes to photography. I just really love it.

[Diamond Lil]

Oh the trials and tribulations of learning. :p

Mike, in the classroom we have students critique each other regularly. Peer assessment ends up being extremely effective and often better received than from experts.

I'm so ignorant about this stuff, to call you all my peers may be an insult. I am simply fascinated by it and love to see good results. The tone you are helping to set here is wonderful. Thank you.