First of all I would like to introduce myself, my name is Shannon, and I am both new to the discussions and the challenges. I recently entered my first challenge, which so far has been a total disaster, anyway, I am knew to photography and so far love it very much, the world looks so much differently through a camera, I am so much more aware of the beauty that surrounds me. Anyway, I was wondering if a few of you, could please take a look at my portfolio and let me know what you think, after some of the comments that I have received so far in the oops challenge (which I was totally deserving of) I am feeling a little out of my league being here, and would truly appreciate and respect all of your opinions. Thank you very much.
I really like your State Capital and your Windmill shot. The composition and toning of those are fantastic. So no, you are definitely not wasting your time.
Thanks for correcting my link, also I didn't realize it was suppose to be annonymous, I am still learning all the rules here, thanks for your opinion and your help...both are much appreciated.
Hi Shannon - welcome to DPC, its a great site with a lot of people willing to help. So you will only improve. It can be a bit addictive so be warned! Have a look round at the galleries and this will help a lot, i know it helps me to see other peoples work, there are some fantastic photographers on this site. I thought your picture of the cat was excellent. Dont be put off by comments about your work and if you learn from it, its worth it.
Challenges are real learning experiences. You'll be amazed at what you can learn and how it refines your work! Don't give up -- try again. I think your portfolio tells everyone that you have an eye -- you just need to polish yourself a little, and that I why most of us come here --to improve, to share our work and to have fun!
I am new to photography and so far love it very much, the world looks so much differently through a camera, I am so much more aware of the beauty that surrounds me.
If what you said above is true, then you aren't wasting your time, no matter what your pictures look like...good or bad.
I really like your State Capital and your Windmill shot. The composition and toning of those are fantastic. So no, you are definitely not wasting your time.
I totally agree with Steve. You've taken some nice shots.
A couple of points I try to remember when submitting for DPC are:
- Make the image a reasonable size. I always try and use 480 pixels and above. Your bridle pic looks quite nice, but it's too small to see.
- Always rotate an image to make it parallel. Your state capital shot is very good, but DPC voters will notice it's not straight and mark it down.
Other than that - your portfolio pics do you proud. I hope you enjoy your time here.
I think you have quite an eye as well, sometimes it is hard to get a shot for the challenge, they are limiting of topic and time. I know at least a few of us feel we are not able to submit our 'best' work, however they do force you to see things and try things and learn. Definately stick it out. Be open to comments and ask questions, this is a great place to learn. Another thing you may want to do is read the rules, lots of folks don't seem to, and can get ya in trouble later : ). keep shooting
Shannon, also you must take some of the comments on your pictures with a grain of salt. Some comments can be harsh and not very well written, and some are done very nicely. Take the comments as a learning experience instead of anything negative. This will help you improve your skills.
I do my best to make even my negative comments look positive.
Welcome, Shannon...
As you've been advised, keep a light attitude regarding comments, and continue to have fun with your photography.
Six months from now, when you look back at your first submissions, you'll be amazed at how you've improved.
Don't feel down, and don't feel like your out of place. Everyone is here to learn and grow in the field of photography. Some are much better than others, granted, but there are tons of members not unlike yourself. Keep at it, and I'm sure you'll get better (and be able to see yourself getting better).
As for your pictures, you seem pretty good at composing pictures; some pretty interesting shots. What needs work, however, is exposure and focus. It's good to know the limits of your camera, and being new, maybe you haven't found them yet (I'm still learning my camera, too). If you can adjust the setting manually, try that and take several shots of the same scene with different settings to find what works best. Anyway, welcome to DPC, and don't feel shy to ask questions about anything, because there're always bunches of other members who will share constructively.
I would like to welcome you as well:) as you can see from the above comments and the folks that welcomed you, this is a friendly place. In no time at all you will feel apart of the whole. And do not be afraid to step in there and leave a comment or two yourself, that in its self is a great way to start to understand how a photograph works for you.
Thanks for all of the positive comments, I am starting to feel at home already. I have added a few more shots to my portfolio since I started this thread, I will try to add them to this post, I would greatly appreciate any feedback anyone might have to offer. Thanks!
