Improving your photos

[Wayne A]

Well I'm going to take the reins and try and get things going. When we had our poll there was a good response on learning to take better photos. So I'm asking for some suggestions to start something. So tell us what you would like to know about or more about controls technique composition what ever. Lets have fun and we can all learn from each other. Also please do not feel you have to have a fancy camera to participate and no questions are too small or silly as we all started knowing little to nothing so everyone at any level should be willing and understanding. There's a lot of good people here. So speak out. :nod:

 

[Jeannie]

Thanks for heading this up. A couple of things comes to mind that are simple and can greatly improve photos. First would be understanding the control dial. The second is composition.

 

[wrknnwf]

I hope this makes sense...

Why do my (cheap point and shoot camera) indoor photos all have an orange cast? Is it ambient/reflected light (I have a rust colored carpet and tile)? Outdoor photos come out looking like natural colors. Indoor photos look like I live in a pumpkin.

I didn't seem to have this problem with my old 35mm Nikon.

 

[mudji]

I think having an understanding of aperture can help people. Even my Canon Elph can be set so you can see at what aperture (f-stop) you are shooting.

Maybe if we started with some sort of document where basic terms and definitions could be posted.

hannah

 

[Wayne A]

The orange or amber color is because either the flash is not firing or not powerful enough to simulate daylight. Fluorescent and regular light bulbs throw that amber glow some fluorescent will even throw green. Your white balance on the camera usually will correct this effect. If not it's an easy fix in any editing software. It gets much more complicated but no need to get into light temperature. I hope this helps or we can go into it deeper.

 

[Wayne A]

Thanks for heading this up. A couple of things comes to mind that are simple and can greatly improve photos. First would be understanding the control dial. The second is composition.

I think they are the two most important.

 

[lmfoltyn]

I have a cannon something or other...how bad is this...and my pictures even with the telescoping lenses most of the time come out either way too small or too big...I can't seem to EVER get it right...and all the settings are way beyond me...I love taking pictures but never know how other than aim and shoot...

 

[chumleysma]

Wayne...since you are the one who told me about flickr several years ago at Newfstock, I'd like to share what I did with the flickr edit buttons on my flickr phone app. I took these pictures with my Samsung Galaxy S3 phone to decide which one to submit for Chumley's therapy dog photo ID. The instructions said no collars and the head had to be clearly visible. They made no mention of the body so I figured it should look kinda' like our pictures in our drivers licence. I have zero photo experience, but I was having fun with the phone app edit buttons. It's amazing how easy it is. The first picture was unedited in front of the shower curtain. The second and third are edits of the first.

 

[mudji]

I like number two! Since he's black and white, why not make it black and white!

hannah

 

[Wayne A]

Tutorial test

Great shots.

 

[Shel]

I need help with composition... among other things, but right now, composition is my greatest challenge. Thanks for helping.

 

[Puppypeoplenj]

I use my iphone 5 to take pictures mostly, but I was thinking about getting a "better" digital point and shoot camera. I know the photographer makes the picture, not the camera, but... Is there a camera that takes away considerations like aperture?

 

[chumleysma]

thanks for your input Wayne but I can't see the tutorial. I never noticed the glare in the eyes until you made mention.

 

[takemebacktotulsa]

Thanks for offering your assistance

I want to learn and am looking at buying my first "real" camera and really learning how to use it. Thinking about a Nikon 3200 or 5200. Any tips for someone just starting out?

 

[Wayne A]

Sorry Stacy I meant we could do so assistance or tutorial. There isn't anything in Flickr to do what I did. When you pick your photo emait it to me and I'll be glad to fix. Chums got to look his very Best.

Now Paige those are both awesome but the 5100 is larger and has a smaller sensor I'd have to check. The 3200 has great reviews and is smaller & less $$. You need to go to a photo store and hold them in your hand. The right feel is everything.

 

[victoria1140]

I have to admit l take most of my photos on a phone nowadays and have absolutely no idea what to do with settings

 

[R Taft]

Sorry Stacy I meant we could do so assistance or tutorial. There isn't anything in Flickr to do what I did. When you pick your photo emait it to me and I'll be glad to fix. Chums got to look his very Best.

Now Paige those are both awesome but the 5100 is larger and has a smaller sensor I'd have to check. The 3200 has great reviews and is smaller & less $$. You need to go to a photo store and hold them in your hand. The right feel is everything.

I know from personal experience that you are very helpful, i like this idea, must think of some problems to ask for help with

 

[Angela]

Wayne.
I thought we had a Sticky somewhere on how to post pictures generally but can't find it.
So can you do a New Thread somewhere as to how to post and then I will make it a Sticky in the Newf Picture Section?
Thanks.

 

[Jeannie]

Wayne.
I thought we had a Sticky somewhere on how to post pictures generally but can't find it.
So can you do a New Thread somewhere as to how to post and then I will make it a Sticky in the Newf Picture Section?
Thanks.

Angela, I took the sticky away a while back. The directions were old and were for the old software GAD had when the board first started. I know how to upload photos and following the directions in the sticky I couldn't get photos to load. I think that is why so many people couldn't upload photos. We do need a new sticky. I was going to do one but just cannot get the time.

 

[R Taft]

Since taking Wayne's advice and using flicker, i find it easy again the FB way is not working for me, even though other people can post from my page, i cannot, using the same methods LOL