Getting quite discouraged with my photography... I cannot seem to get a tack sharp photo, even on a tripod using the self timer. I am afraid that I just don't have it... mediocre at best. I guess that is why I haven't been inspired lately... always disappointed.
Aw...don't give up! You seem to be holding yourself to an awfully high standard!! I think this image looks wonderful and like the color/tones/form, and soft lighting. Have you thought about shooting some architectural stuff for a bit, just because the lines and angles can be so much clearer, the wind won't cause them to move, etc. and you'd see that your photos are, in fact, quite clear?
@taffy Taffy, thanks for your encouragement. I will try that. I don't know if it is me, my eyesight, my lack of ability, or my mediocre lens. But I am not happy, less happy than I was with a point and shoot. I am taking a class right now and plan to talk more in depth with the instructor this week. I think you take some of the sharpest, most creative shots here on 365!
@calm Two thoughts as I looked at your EXIF info...Remember the challenge about the 'sweet spot' for color? You set your ISO to 100 and your shutter speed to match it (at 100). Then your f-stop to f/11 (or maybe f/16 - can't remember). Move your f-stop up if you need to, but hopefully not to more than about f/9. That will give you richer color. Try it on a bright enough day, though. I've found showing at the lowest possible ISO helps with color, and then using HDR not to make weird shots, but to just bring out detail (bracket at maybe .7 stops apart, or even .3) helps even with flower shots. Best done with tripod or some sort of support so the three shots are exactly aligned -- and also good not to have a windy day. Anyway, these are just things I've learned help with clarity and color, when it's possible to use them.
Gee, I think this is a fantastic shot and I'm even faving it. I cannot think of one thing you could do to improve it and sure wish my photos turned out like this.
