First day with my camera

[jedgar8585]

I took this shot of a seagull the first day I went out with my new camera. I was rather impressed with myself but after seeing some of the other pics on this site, well maybe I can get pointers to improve my techniques. - John

[Steve Cavigliano]

Not a bad first effort John :thumb :thumb

Your shot would benefit from a little USM (Un-Sharp Mask) after downsizing (100, .3, 0). The tough part about this shot is that part of the gull is on the edge of being over exposed and another part is shadowed. Mostly white birds are hard to shoot when evenly lit. When the lighting is uneven, as in your shot, they are even tougher. All I can suggest is to keep shooting and try to shoot white birds early or late in the day (the light is less intense). Also, when you have a choice, try to shoot with the Sun at your back.

Hope this helps some :D

Steve

[Harryb]

A good start John and Steve had lots of good advice in his response.

[MuskyDude]

A good start John and Steve had lots of good advice in his response.
:agree great advice Steve, and fine job on your shot John! :thumb



AJ

[jedgar8585]

Thanks everyone. I'm really enjoying my new hobby. Not sure my wife likes the expenditure but she'll get over it!


Know of any good online training classes I can take for Digital Photography? - John
:agree great advice Steve, and fine job on your shot John! :thumb



AJ

[Trish323]

Good luck w/ your new camera! Save your $$ and learn from reading the forums. There is a wealth of info and before long you will want to add a new lens and then you'll have the $$ to get it:):