I have been taking pictures for a month now with a dslr. I use a nikon d3100. How to get better? Be strong with your comments. How can I play with the white balance to make my pictures better during a sunny day like this?
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Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make NIKON CORPORATION Camera Model NIKON D3100 Camera Software Ver.1.01 Maximum Lens Aperture f/5.7 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Color Filter Array Pattern 848 Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 82 mm Image-Specific Properties: Image Orientation Top, Left-Hand Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2016:03:22 17:36:50 Exposure Time 1/640 sec F-Number f/18.0 Exposure Program Manual ISO Speed Rating 100 Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Fine Weather Flash No Flash Focal Length 55.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Image Width 4608 Image Height 3072 Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Manual Scene Capture Type Standard Gain Control None Contrast Normal Saturation Normal Sharpness Normal Subject Distance Range Unknown ISO Speed Used 100 Image Quality FINE White Balance SUNNY Focus Mode MANUAL Flash Setting REAR Flash Compensation 0.0 EV ISO Speed Requested 100 Flash Bracket Compensation 0.0 EV AE Bracket Compensation 162111488.0 EV Lens Type Nikon D Series Lens Range 18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6 Shooting/Bracketing Mode Single Frame/Off Noise Reduction OFF Camera Actuations 22387
also one of mine.
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Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make NIKON CORPORATION Camera Model NIKON D3100 Camera Software Ver.1.01 Maximum Lens Aperture f/4.8 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Color Filter Array Pattern 848 Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 57 mm Image-Specific Properties: Image Orientation Top, Left-Hand Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2016:03:27 17:58:24 Exposure Time 1/800 sec F-Number f/25.0 Exposure Program Manual ISO Speed Rating 200 Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Shade Flash No Flash Focal Length 38.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Image Width 4608 Image Height 3072 Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Manual Scene Capture Type Standard Gain Control None Contrast Normal Saturation Normal Sharpness Normal Subject Distance Range Unknown ISO Speed Used 200 Image Quality FINE White Balance SHADE Focus Mode MANUAL Flash Setting REAR Flash Compensation 0.0 EV ISO Speed Requested 200 Flash Bracket Compensation 0.0 EV AE Bracket Compensation 162111488.0 EV Lens Type Nikon D Series Lens Range 18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6 Shooting/Bracketing Mode Single Frame/Off Noise Reduction OFF Camera Actuations 22661
nice pics.
I used to own a D3300 (almost the same as yours) and I figure I had a decent start with it
the photos are rather beautiful for a beginner
also, post production is the key, so you should get a hang of that if you already haven't, but not always
>>2803286
Thanks. I will learn how to use photoshop in the near future.
>>2803268
Are you aware of what exposure is?
>>2803300
Yes but I dont know how to control it that well yet I guess.
>>2803300
>1/640
>f18
>100 iso
op stop using manual until you learn what exposure is. your pics are super underexposed
>>2803304
What would you clearly change If you would have taken this photo?
>>2803314
I would stick with aperture priority, get the depth of field I like, and let the camera do the rest. it seems sorta dark out so if i didn't have a tripod i'd want to be at f/11 or f/8 and keep auto iso on
>>2803321
Thanks for the advice man. I appreciate it.
1. Clean your sensor and/or lens, there's obviously some dust on it
2. As others mentioned, those pictures area really badly underexposed
3. Try to find interesting subjects. I've seen the sun a million times and a picture of your m8 isn't really interesting to anybody other than you and your m8
4. Read the sticky and resize your pictures
>>2803286
>post production is the key
different beginner here...so all my pictures are going to suck if I don't mess with them on the computer afterward?
>>2803357
If you shoot raw, yes.
>>2803357
Yes and this is something that most beginners get wrong and then proceed to get all aloof and snotty about.
Processing your images is essential. No self respecting photographer goes without post processing. You have to realise that the image is altered from the get go, depending on what kind of film you use, or what kind of digital sensor, the choice of lens and exposure settings all manipulate the image substantially.
Photographers need PP and have been using it since the very start of photography itself
>>2803363
So what kind of software should I look at stealing to do this?
(or buy...I could buy too....)
>>2803367
/p/ is against pirating for the most part but that only really counts for people who are providing images to clients
Lightroom is babies first PP and it works great, PS is essential for anything advanced but GIMP is worth looking at as a free alternative. I've never used anything else personally so there could be other free good alternatives
>>2803333
np, i'm new too and shoot on a d3300. my first instinct was to shoot all manual, but i don't know enough to adjust for changing light; sometimes i stay on manual if i'm walking around at night, otherwise aperture priority gives enough control to impact the image while still keeping good exposure.
>>2803367
also lightroom is relatively cheap, $10/mo, well worth it imo. i did pirate vsco filters however.
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make NIKON CORPORATION Camera Model NIKON D3100 Camera Software Ver.1.01 Maximum Lens Aperture f/5.7 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Color Filter Array Pattern 848 Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 82 mm Image-Specific Properties: Image Orientation Top, Left-Hand Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2016:03:22 17:32:27 Exposure Time 1/500 sec F-Number f/10.0 Exposure Program Manual ISO Speed Rating 100 Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Fine Weather Flash No Flash Focal Length 55.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Image Width 4608 Image Height 3072 Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Manual Scene Capture Type Standard Gain Control None Contrast Normal Saturation Normal Sharpness Normal Subject Distance Range Unknown ISO Speed Used 100 Image Quality FINE White Balance SUNNY Focus Mode MANUAL Flash Setting REAR Flash Compensation 0.0 EV ISO Speed Requested 100 Flash Bracket Compensation 0.0 EV AE Bracket Compensation 162111488.0 EV Lens Type Nikon D Series Lens Range 18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6 Shooting/Bracketing Mode Single Frame/Off Noise Reduction OFF Camera Actuations 22365
>>2803387
Better, I guess
Also a picture of mine
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make NIKON CORPORATION Camera Model NIKON D3100 Camera Software Ver.1.01 Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.0 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Color Filter Array Pattern 848 Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 0 mm Image-Specific Properties: Image Orientation Top, Left-Hand Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Created 2016:03:19 12:49:29 Exposure Time 1/125 sec F-Number f/0.0 Exposure Program Manual ISO Speed Rating 200 Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Center Weighted Average Light Source Shade Flash No Flash Focal Length 0.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Image Width 4608 Image Height 3072 Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Manual Scene Capture Type Standard Gain Control None Contrast Normal Saturation Normal Sharpness Normal Subject Distance Range Unknown ISO Speed Used 200 Image Quality FINE White Balance SHADE Focus Mode MANUAL Flash Setting NORMAL Flash Compensation 0.0 EV ISO Speed Requested 200 Flash Bracket Compensation 0.0 EV AE Bracket Compensation 162111488.0 EV Lens Type Unknown Lens Range 0.0 mm; f/0.0 Shooting/Bracketing Mode Single Frame/Off Noise Reduction OFF Camera Actuations 22120
>post is essential
nah, only if your subjects are trash lmao, most photographers who shoot staged like Edward Hopkins don't need post because the interest isn't in the quality of the image, but on what the image is taken of.
Find something that interests you. If you're just into hobbyism go read on what aperture/iso/shutterspeed do and fiddle with it. Focusing on one at a time is a good go. Leave your ISO at 400 during day/afternoon and maybe 800 at night and your aperture at 5.6 or whatever the middleground is for your lens. Play with shutterspeed, once you know what that does move onto aperture. An exercise I find interesting is to take a shot in automatic, and then try to take one in manual and see if you can improve on the picture by measuring light different in your light meter.
>>2803556
>I literally know nothing
>>2803556
>>2803367
Lightroom. I used to use Photoshop a decade ago, but nowadays LR completely satisfies my needs. Then again, I always viewed PP as something that should rescue photos that would otherwise be ruined by stupid things like spots or bad WB and minor enhancements, as opposed to creating something new entirely.
I just started out with photography too and i read a few articles on aperture/shutter/iso speed. Can anyone critique this? You don't have to be gentle. GIVE IT TO ME HARD
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Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make NIKON CORPORATION Camera Model NIKON D3200 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.7 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/4.8 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Color Filter Array Pattern 762 Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 48 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpcm Vertical Resolution 300 dpcm Image Created 2016:03:29 12:22:20 Exposure Time 1/125 sec F-Number f/8.0 Exposure Program Manual ISO Speed Rating 110 Lens Aperture f/8.0 Exposure Bias 1 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Shade Flash No Flash Focal Length 32.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Manual White Balance Manual Scene Capture Type Standard Gain Control None Contrast Normal Saturation High Sharpness Normal Subject Distance Range Unknown
>>2803710
anotha one
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make NIKON CORPORATION Camera Model NIKON D3200 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.7 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/5.7 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Color Filter Array Pattern 762 Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 72 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 300 dpcm Vertical Resolution 300 dpcm Image Created 2016:03:29 12:22:27 Exposure Time 1/800 sec F-Number f/6.3 Exposure Program Manual ISO Speed Rating 450 Lens Aperture f/6.3 Exposure Bias 0.7 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Fine Weather Flash No Flash Focal Length 48.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Manual White Balance Manual Scene Capture Type Standard Gain Control Low Gain Up Contrast Normal Saturation High Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Unknown
>>2803556
You're an actual idiot. The only professional photographers that don't "do post" are people that shoot primarily in JPEG(PJs, sports photogs), which is just letting the camera do post for you.
>>2803716
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make NIKON CORPORATION Camera Model NIKON D3200 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.0 (Windows) Maximum Lens Aperture f/5.7 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 72 mm Image-Specific Properties: Image Orientation Top, Left-Hand Horizontal Resolution 94 dpcm Vertical Resolution 94 dpcm Image Created 2016:03:29 21:11:17 Exposure Time 1/800 sec F-Number f/6.3 Exposure Program Manual ISO Speed Rating 450 Lens Aperture f/6.3 Exposure Bias 0.7 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Fine Weather Flash No Flash Focal Length 48.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Manual White Balance Manual Scene Capture Type Standard Gain Control Low Gain Up Contrast Normal Saturation High Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Unknown
>>2803716
I don't critique art, but this is a little hard on the eyes.
>>2803710
>blown out out sky
>shitty color grade
go practice on your exposure
>>2803716
cracking up the saturation too far is a classical beginner mistake, try to not overcook it
>>2803286
>post production is the key
It's more important to learn good basic photography first. If you go straight to touching everything up, you could potentially miss learning some skills.
Of course touching up is essential for professionals and experienced amateurs, but you really don't need to learn it if you're just starting out. I disagree with the people here saying otherwise.
>>2803831
Detail in the sky would have ruined that shot. Go learn the purpose of photography, because it isn't: Get a good histogram to show to people.
Fucking technicians man...
>>2803904
Its blown the fuck out. Not even some gentle gradient.. its shit.
>>2803908
So what if it's blown out? Why is that a problem, for that specific image, other than you read in a book somewhere that you shouldn't blow things out?
you might learn about some optical physics to get the point about aperture (sweetspot and depth of field) and learn about shutter speed.
rules of thirds is a nice begin, tho
with this three in mind, you can even stole my job
1/640 and f18 for silhouette is kind of a bad start. you could take it better with some easiest settings on manual mode
>>2803304
Implying he is using manual. What he needs is to learn how to lock exposure. The sun is making the rest underexposed.
He could also use HDR but jewkon didn't add this feature into d3100.
>>2803367
Photoshop CS2. You can download for free from Adobe site.
>>2803910
Not the guy you responded to, but that is actually an interesting question. Why is it that some recognisable "errors" like highlight clipping are normally considered ugly, while others can have aesthetic appeal (film grain/dust, CA, lomoshit)? I mean people go out of their way to recreate some desired errors in post. Almost every time I see clipped highlights I immediately find it unpleasing without doing any sort of thinking. Surely it can't all be because of me knowing it to be a result of digital sensors limited DR?
>>2803357
Yes, unless you shoot Fuji or film.
