[Nis01]

Recently picked up a digital camera, the Canon Rebel XTi, and I have been trying to learn photography, minor editing/cropping, and posting in one sweep so I could use any hints that anybody may want to share. I've hosted through photobucket for some time now so I think I'll just stick with that site. Here are some of the first pictures I've taken with the camera, critique as you see necessary. I need some ideas on what would make these pictures look better. I have a lot to learn. Most of these shots were taken at the dealership while I was waiting for my state inspection... hence the Subaru/Porsche randomness.

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[Nis01]

New additions with a little less cropping work and tried using the filter that a friend of mine described. They were all taken in my garage as a makeshift photoshoot as I just wanted to play around with the coloring of the white car.
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[crookid7]

Pic #'s 1, 4, and 7 look very nice. You're not so much of a beginner.

[ELD4AU6]

they look fine to me

[carl s.]

you're off to a good start

[alphaSTI]

Looks good.

[Nis01]

Continued trials, trying different techniques in photoshop:

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Comments are welcome and appreciated.

[Stephisto47]

I like 'em. Just keep practicing and trying new things. You're getting better!

[c00lbeans]

always shoot manual. dont shoot cars around tall things like trees becuease they make bad reflections. Dont use flash unless its off camera flash or your shooting a simple picture of people at an event. Dont shoot in the middle of the day. Watch out for stuff in the background like trees coming out of peoples heads. try and get an angle so stuff isnt directly behind someone. Your photos are pretty good for starting. Keep having fun and trying things. Look at lots of other pictures and try and figure out how they were lit.

[RdRacer301]

Shea they all look great. One thing I would do if I wanted to be anal. Some of those close ups show minor dings/chips on paint, just use "Heal" tool to take them out.

For more info/advice/critique, check out http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ It's dedicated to Canon cameras.

[Nis01]

Originally Posted by RdRacer301

Shea they all look great. One thing I would do if I wanted to be anal. Some of those close ups show minor dings/chips on paint, just use "Heal" tool to take them out.

For more info/advice/critique, check out http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ It's dedicated to Canon cameras.

Thanks for the link, I had no idea that site existed. I just registered and will probably wasting quite some time checking out some of the posts over there.

[Nis01]

Three more additions mid-carwash and also looked up how to add signatures on to photos which I played around with.

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Going to go out closer to sunset for a real "photoshoot" for some use of background. Maybe this time I'll remember to change the setting over to RAW.

[Nis01]

I tried shooting in RAW mode on the camera and when I tried to upload them it said they were the wrong format? I've been looking through photoshop to make sure it will except that format. Any ideas whats wrong?

Did some reading and it looks like I need a converter? Whats the best to get and easiest to use.. ARRG didn't know that all of this was required for RAW shooting. All the extra work required just doesn't seem worth it to me... really frustrating.

[Nis01]

Tried out wide angle in the direct sunlight and after looking at the pictures I think having the hood on the lens is a necessity to get a proper picture. I did some editing on these photos and think they turned out alright... but could have been a ton better. I'm a little disappointed in the pictures I've been getting lately but than again I'm just learning.

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[nandanrp]

Originally Posted by Nis01

I tried shooting in RAW mode on the camera and when I tried to upload them it said they were the wrong format? I've been looking through photoshop to make sure it will except that format. Any ideas whats wrong?

Did some reading and it looks like I need a converter? Whats the best to get and easiest to use.. ARRG didn't know that all of this was required for RAW shooting. All the extra work required just doesn't seem worth it to me... really frustrating.

Canon cameras come with the post-processing software.

When I plug mine in, I use the option to automatically start downloading photos. Once that is done, the Canon Image software pops up to show me all of the photos I just took. Select whichever photos you want to post-process, and right click...select "Process RAW images" (I think that's what it says). You can then play with exposure, whitebalance, color balance, etc...you can make a HUGE difference in a bad photo through post-processing. You can also do PP through Photoshop, but I have never done that...

I like a lot of your shots man, many are well exposed. Shooting in manual too, props What lens are you using?

When you shoot in manual, what criteria are you using to decide what film speed and aperture to use? (I use Program Auto a lot, so I'm actually curious to learn from you!).

Also, the last set you posted... You'll get nicer exposure and less harsh light if you shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon, so that the sun is less harsh. From the shadows your car throws off, it looks like you shot in the mid-afternoon.