dmp

These pics taken yesterday, seem 'off' - in a fuzzy/blurry way.

Thoughts?

could be my monitor crapping out - it's a decade old if it's a day.

supergoat

Intersting. I tihnk it's just the photos playing tricks. The first one seems fine to me, but the 2nd and 3rd...I can definitly tell what you are talking about. I think they are fine, and it's just the stuff in the photos playing tricks on our eyes.

It may also be because our eyes are not drawn to one specific part of the pictures, while the subject matter is clear, the pictures themselves don't seem to have a clear/concise/strong physical focal point.

That's how I see it. None the less, I still enjoy them.

maxxdamigz

iTrader: (1)

They all look the same if you squint really hard.

tiggerlee

I think you may be getting more critical of your work. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing . They look great as usual.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Did you crank up the contrast and sharpen a lot in PS...they look over sharpened...it causes them to look like that sometimes with my camera??

dmp

no overt sharpening - just the RAW Defaults. Hrm..thanks, except to abbid, who is just silly.

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

You must have Scotchbroom pollen in your eyes LOL

Raptor2k

I really wish you had a VR. Without the appearance package. With tanned leather and strakes. Yessss....

LiL BenNy

just curious how did you learn to take good pictures? take a class or naturally gifted?

Blue87Sport

Ha, that's exactly what I thought of too. Your camera is allergic to scotchbroom and was tearing up a bit.

Could there have been a slight breeze that was causing the bushes and trees to move slightly? The car, sky and foreground look sharp, only the bushes and trees look a bit blurry.

Even so, they're fine shots. Not quite up to Nemesis's last shots, but keep trying! j/k

lazi

i wish i could take pictures like this

RX8Burg

Your pics look awesome! What camera are you using?

jaii13

Canon 20D.

dmp, share the wealth. Please start a thread and give out photography tips.

ddub

Stock lens or other? The 20D seems like a good camera from the reviews I've read. Right now I have the EOS Digital Rebel XT and am using a Sigma 28mm 1:1.8 EX DG Macro lens. Unfortunately I haven't had enough time to learn this lens very well. Sometimes I come up with awesome pictures, other times it was way too bright and no matter the shutter speed/f-stop I use it ends up too washed out.

Anyways, I had been thinking about eventually upgrading from my Digital Rebel. Are you happy with the 20D?

yiksing

Just look for beauty in imperfection then you know its great.

dmp

I took a photography class in High School circa 1988, but 'good' is subjective. I try to, pardon the pun, 'focus' on one or two aspects of photography. Most important to me is trying to compose an image well - whether that is by dropping the angle of view or raising it. I take the time in the viewfinder to ask myself "Is this picture going to pass the 'so-what?' test? Often I take it anyway in the hopes of 'creating' a good image in post-production.

Thanks - yes, see below. Those were shot as RAW images, then converted to jpg and reduced. I 'still' see a lot of fuzziness around the images. I think it's time for a new monitor.

I really don't have any tips other than to practice. Get good lighting. Get your subject in an interesting location and junk. Thanks!


These were shot, yes, with the kit lens - 18-55mm. My favourite lens out of the 3 I own is the cheapest lens canon makes; 50mm f/1.8. bhphotovideo has it for about $80. I also have a 70-300 f/4 IS lens which is pretty good. My next lens will be an L 100-400 f/4 - when I find $1400 laying round.
I can't address specifics on what could be causing the problems w/o exif data.

Am I happy w/ the 20D? Not yet. My previous camera - a Canon S2 IS - was MUCH easier to use to get GOOD pics. As-is, this SLR is a finicky SOB; I'm just glad I don't have to pay for FILM like I did w/ my last SLR - Canon EOS Elan IIe. I doubt you need to upgrade; that XT can take F'ing AMAZING shots. If your XT is holding you back, and you feel you could do MORE w/ a better camera, the 20D is pretty darn good. Sounds to me like you are holding the XT back more than it's holding you back; same with me and my 20D




Thanks folks.

Anyone have eyedrops? the scotchbroom is KILLING my alergies!

ddub

Interesting.

Yah it really is me that is holding the XT back. I have a friend with the same camera, but different lenses, and he takes some beautiful shots. If I really have time, and try harder and don't rush through things, I can usually get some pretty nice shots out of it. My problem is that I have limited time. Usually what I end up doing for pictures of my rx8, parts I'm selling, or other things I need pictures of quickly is just grab the tripod, set it to f8, put the timer on so my hand doesnt shake the camera as I press the button, and take the pics quickly that I need. They're always OK, just not as good as they could be.

I'm definitely happy with the XT, but the 20D has been interesting me. What can I say, I need to change way too often because I get interested in other stuff

Examples of my XT with the sigma lens taken at the NW Folklife Festival. Note, though, that I was using my macro lens for street shots and that didn't turn out well in some situations haha. I need to get myself a zoom lens... http://students.washington.edu/dreww.../folklife.html

supergoat

Darin, today at work, because of you, I had a brand new rebel in my hands ready to buy.

But I didn't take it home yet. If you post any more pictures I'm going to actually get it. I know I am!

Razz1

ah.. a good way to get people to look at your car.

lesper4

iTrader: (3)

looks absoulty great to me.

dmp

Done.



:D

ddub

I like that picture, except for the beef part

dmp

whaaaaaaa??? Heretic!! :D

Those are Doug's Quality Meat's Burgers....FanTASTIC!

:D

hehe

supergoat

I hate you. Now I want to buy that camera even more...and I'm hungry!!

ddub

I'm okay with chicken and fish.

"Until fundamental changes are made in our food safety system, enjoying your meat medium-rare will remain a form of high-risk behavior" - Eric Schlosser