Hi guys, can I get some input?

[LBGChris]

I just got my D40 yesterday and I'm very amateur, but taking photos is pretty much a hobby I plan on having until I die, so I'd really like some constructive criticism, maybe some praise and definitely some tips on my photos.

They are located here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lbgchris/

Thanks in advance!!!

Chris

[toriaj]

You obviously have a great eye, and you're looking for photographs in unusual places :) My favorite on your site is "Branching Out." What beautiful colors! It looks like the lens didn't quite get anything in focus, though. Were you using autofocus or manual focus? Also, try to use your lowest ISO whenever you can. In this shot, you could have lowered your ISO to 200, kept your aperture at 4.5, and lowered your shutter speed to 1/125 to get the same exposure with better detail. Have fun with your new camera, I'm sure your shots will get better and better.

[LBGChris]

You obviously have a great eye, and you're looking for photographs in unusual places :) My favorite on your site is "Branching Out." What beautiful colors! It looks like the lens didn't quite get anything in focus, though. Were you using autofocus or manual focus? Also, try to use your lowest ISO whenever you can. In this shot, you could have lowered your ISO to 200, kept your aperture at 4.5, and lowered your shutter speed to 1/125 to get the same exposure with better detail. Have fun with your new camera, I'm sure your shots will get better and better.

Thanks alot toriaj. I really like your pictures. I was using auto focus... I really don't know much about working my camera yet, I'm reading about it right now. I had it on ISO 800 I think and the shutter speed I couldn't control because it was on automatic. Should I always keep it in manual and adjust the shutter speed for each shot? Thanks again.

[TheWengler]

I usually leave my camera in aperture priority mode. I tweak the aperture based on the depth of field that I want. Then I bump the the ISO to get to the shutter speed I want. I usually don't go over ISO 800. You'll have to make compromises in difficult light and might have to shoot in full manual mode.

[LBGChris]

Thanks TheWengler! I really like your Cityscapes and Architecture album, amazing pictures.

[toriaj]

You can see the camera settings for your Flickr photos by clicking on "More Properties" on the right side when you're viewing the pic. That's how I know "Branching Out" was at f/4.5, 1/320, and ISO 400.

I'd suggest going into manual or aperture-priority mode ASAP. Be sure to check the LCD and the exposure meter often. At first, you'll probably get a lot of completely-black or completely-white pictures, I did until I figured it out. So don't try it out on a shot you can't redo! But you'll learn how your camera works much more quickly that way.

[Rooz]

all your shots are very good. nice exposures, nice colours and some nice compositions in there. if you want good feedback, consider posting in the d40 or the nikon pic of the day threads. not alot of people venutre over to these threads.

welcome to the forum and keep posting shots. :)

[LBGChris]

all your shots are very good. nice exposures, nice colours and some nice compositions in there. if you want good feedback, consider posting in the d40 or the nikon pic of the day threads. not alot of people venutre over to these threads.

welcome to the forum and keep posting shots. :)

Thanks alot Master Rooz! I posted in the Nikon pic of the day thread, thanks for the tip. I added some more to my Flickr if you wouldn't mind cruising over, I value your opinions. Thanks!