Take a picture of leaves. I've got to get some things done today, so here is a leaf shot from yesterday. Editing consisted of auto fix and 1960's effect (with rounded edge) in Picnik.
Ya know...I like the intent of this photo. A single golden leaf surrounded by green? This actually feels lonely yet hopeful for some reason. I don't know if that was your aim, but that's how I took it.
The framing could have been better if the bunch of leave were further off to the right. One thing I'm not sure about though: the golden leaf looks overexposed. Was that a result of how you snapped the photo or the autocorrect in Picnik?
@jasonbarnette
Scary, that is exactly what I thought when I shot the photo.
I still don't get the composition factor. Usually if I have the subject off towards the right, I am told that the rule of things state that the subject should be towards the left or something similar. The overexposed golden leaf is the result of the sun, it actually looked a lot worse before I auto fixed in Picnik.
@mej2011 Rule of Thirds. It's easy once you get to know it. Take your photo above. Divide it into thirds both horizontally and vertically. Where those lines intersect are called Sweet Spots. Ideally, you want the focus of your photo to be on one of those Sweet Spots.
Here it is dead center. So, if you had framed it to the leaf was further right and further down it would have been on one of those spots.
Some cameras have a grid built in so you can see the Rule of Thirds as you take the photo. Does yours?
@jasonbarnette
It makes sense in writing, but I seem to have trouble applying it for some reason. I think it's probably just the patience thing again.
I thought my camera had one of those grids, but I can't seem to bring it up now. I usually just do my photographing thru the LCD screen, which I've been told my one photography friend that you aren't supposed to do, but I don't know why. I'll check out the manual when I get a moment and see if I can find the grid thingy. Thanks!
How about just trying different compositions and see how they feel... compose the leaf in the center, or upper corner or wherever. Shoot the compositions you think are good, and select the best one later for further processing.
Love the mood and the light of this shot. The grid thingy is ultra useful. I don't know about your camera but mine has no view-finder - only a display. Without that grid I'd go crazy trying to get the angle correct.
@janmaki
That's an idea. Why didn't I think of that? Thanks! @equinoxe
Thanks! I'll have to keep searching to see if I have a grid thingy. @pwallis
Um.....And everyone else's critique is more important than yours because?????????
@mej2011 I just think they've pretty much got it covered. Jani's suggestion of multiple shots and angles is a good one. It's normally what I do (when I don't have Pickle in tow) and then pick the one I like best:)
@pwallis
I don't know why I don't think of these things. I look in my yard, I see the leaves and really only picture it one way. I need more open mindedness I guess.
@equinoxe@jasonbarnette
According to my manual, said grid thingy only works on Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority Auto, Aperture Priority Auto, Manual, or User Mode(s). Now, I just have to figure out how to use one of those modes.
@mej2011 Uhm...Melissa? The modes you just listed are the only modes available so, yeah, pretty sure you're gonna be using at least one of those at all times haha
@mej2011 Maybe an easier explanation of rule of thirds....draw a tic-tac-toe board extended from all edges of your photo with the sweet middle square dead center. You want your focus to be in the area of one of the 4 main intersections which are also the CORNERS of the center square... not IN the squares where you would put the Xs and Os.
The framing could have been better if the bunch of leave were further off to the right. One thing I'm not sure about though: the golden leaf looks overexposed. Was that a result of how you snapped the photo or the autocorrect in Picnik?
Scary, that is exactly what I thought when I shot the photo.
I still don't get the composition factor. Usually if I have the subject off towards the right, I am told that the rule of things state that the subject should be towards the left or something similar. The overexposed golden leaf is the result of the sun, it actually looked a lot worse before I auto fixed in Picnik.
Here it is dead center. So, if you had framed it to the leaf was further right and further down it would have been on one of those spots.
Some cameras have a grid built in so you can see the Rule of Thirds as you take the photo. Does yours?
It makes sense in writing, but I seem to have trouble applying it for some reason. I think it's probably just the patience thing again.
I thought my camera had one of those grids, but I can't seem to bring it up now. I usually just do my photographing thru the LCD screen, which I've been told my one photography friend that you aren't supposed to do, but I don't know why. I'll check out the manual when I get a moment and see if I can find the grid thingy. Thanks!
That's an idea. Why didn't I think of that? Thanks!
@equinoxe
Thanks! I'll have to keep searching to see if I have a grid thingy.
@pwallis
Um.....And everyone else's critique is more important than yours because?????????
I don't know why I don't think of these things. I look in my yard, I see the leaves and really only picture it one way. I need more open mindedness I guess.
According to my manual, said grid thingy only works on Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority Auto, Aperture Priority Auto, Manual, or User Mode(s). Now, I just have to figure out how to use one of those modes.
No comprendo, My camera has a "scene selection " mode where I can choose between close up, HDR, food, sunset/rise.........
"Nature's first green is gold"
Stay Gold PonyBoy!
That makes a lot of sense. Thanks so much!