First day with my D50

[graphite]

These images are from the first full day I had to play with my new D50. I am already impressed with the ease of use of the camera, and hopefully through critiques, I will actually become competent with it. Anyways, here are a few images that I was actually happy with. Please let me know areas where these images could be improved.

[MCWB]

Wow, you have a good eye!

Here's some critique:

#1 The cocky itself is a bit underexposed. If you shot in RAW, you could fix this (in Nikon Capture for example) using a combination of D-lighting and/or exposure compensation. Other possibilities include spot-metering on the cocky or using fill-flash to light the subject whilst keeping the same exposure for the background as currently. The background and bokeh is wonderful.

#2 Similar to #1, unfortunate that his crest has been cropped off too.

#3 Yeah, like this one, maybe still a tad underexposed

#4 Wonderful!! If I was truly picky I'd suggest getting the top of her head, plus the fingers on the right hand side in the frame.

Damn nice first efforts!

[NJ]

Great camera hey mate! these seem all good to me. i think that just adding a bit of contrast to the first three, IMHO, might bring out the whiteness of the cockatoo a bit better. love the expression on the girls face on the last shot! What lens did you use for these shots? by the way have fun with it.
Cheers

[ABG]

Hi Graphite,

I agree with all of Trent's comments. Shooting in raw can save some otherwise poorly exposed shots.

I really like #4 - it's a cracker of a photo. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

[blaize]

Hi Graphite,

Those are excellent shots and like the other guys said you seem to have a good eye for it as well!!! I think the first three would come up a treat with just a bit of PP and I love the last one as is!! Excellent effort for your first try and keep them coming

TonyD

[Alpha_7]

Nathan, Glad to see you your up and posting, and man I've got to lift my game. First day out of the block and your producing some nice quality images there I'm glad you've finally got your D50 and look forward to plenty more opportunities to shoot together (starting tomorrow ).

[birddog114]

graphite,
Welcome!
First posting with fews keepers and thanks for sharing.
Your entree served well, now we wait for the main course and dessert

[graphite]

Thanks for the suggestions. After looking at the pictures of the cockatoo, I realise that they are underexposed, and I wish that I had been shooting in RAW. Unfourtunatly I was on my way to empty my memory card when the cocky landed, and I had to reduce the quality to get a bunch of pictures. Even that last picture of my daughter is in fine quality/Medium size. I wish that I had gotten at least that one in RAW, or at least fine/Large.

NJ - I used a Nikkor AF-S 55-200mm lens for the shots of the cockatoo. I did get others using the normal 18-55 mm as well, but I dont think they were as nice. For the shot of my daughter though, I used the 18-55mm lens.

I have tried to bring out some contrast in the cockatoo shots. It proved more difficult than I thought it would be, as the feathers tend to burn out as soon as you move brightness or contrast values around.

[JED]

Welcome, Graphite.

Lovely set of images to start your voyage with your d50 and this great forum.

I learnt very quickly that shooting raw is the only way to go. Much more versatility for pp'ing your shots.

Look forward to seeing more images from your d50. I love mine.

Cheers, John

[stubbsy]

Nathan. If you're filling up your card I sure hope Santa gives you an extra one.

The rework of the cocky is a great improvment and I'm guessing that you learnt a bit about the value off PP in the process. The one of your daughter is great since you've done what's really essential to make an image like this grab your attention - your daughter's eyes are sharp and in focus and she's engaged with the viewer because of how she's looking out of the image at you. The outstretched OOF arms round this out. How many times have we all seen something just like this - please pick me up?

Well done (but please not too many kiddy pics - you need to show us your versatility )

[Onyx]

Nathan, if you've been hanging around Craig before you acquired the D50, I'd say for once he's been a good influence...

Very impressive pics, you've mastered shallow depth of field work, and I'm sure you'll treasure the last one.

[graphite]

Yes, I think that for the most part, when I am taking pictures I will stay in RAW. I think the only exception to this is when I am taking photos of things because I have to. (ie. Dinner at the in-laws etc.) chances are, I will never do any PP to any photos like that, and all they will do is take up space. Of course the chance is that I will end up with a really good shot, and cant do much with it. The solution to that of course is to get a 2 gig memory card! I think I may have to save my pennies for that though since I dont think I can convince my wife to let me get one so soon after getting the camera.

stubbsy - Thank you for your comments on the reworked cocky. I have done a bunch of PP of photos in the past, but it has mainly consisted of editing and not playing around with contrast/color/levels etc. I think I should get the hang of it soon. I guess it is just getting your eyes adjusted to knowing what you want from a shot. Also, I will try not to do to many kid shots, I promise. I will only do it if I like the picture so much that it doesn't matter whos kids are in it (ie, I would like the picture even if the kids wernt my own.)

Onyx - I dont think my wife would agree that Craig was a "Good" influence, after all, I ended up spending a chunk of money on a camera. Personally I am quite looking forward to being able to go around taking photos with someone.

Also, I dont think I have mastered shollow depth of field. I think I ended up getting lucky and learned a bunch in the process. I will definitely treasure that last picture. I am thinking of putting it in my office.

[stubbsy]

Nathan

One other thing - the pic of your daughter has a decided blue colour cast (I'm assuming she has on a white top). I've taken the liberty of playing with your image to show you what I mean. Here i've altered the colour balance slightly to get back to white for the top - side effect is the image is a little warmer. (If you want me to remove the pic I'll do so). I suggest you try this on your original image with a little more care than I did.

[ozimax]

Wonderful shot Nathan of (I assume) your daughter. You'll have many more like these to come, as has been suggested a tad different crop and there you go!

Max

[Alpha_7]

Nice work on warming up the photo Stubbsy. Nathan and I had a very brief play and warmed up the original before we had to return to baby duties it makes a big difference.