My first post for critique!

[kitchenwench]

(has been post-processed as the original image was a bit bland, so I shifted around the colours for a more vintage-y feel)

Took this yesterday evening with my Canon 450D and 50mm f/1.8 lens...have only had it for 5 weeks now and still learning, but would appreciate any constructive criticism that can be offered

Looking at it now, I already think I should've used a larger aperature...I shot this at f1.8, thinking going up to 2.5-2.8 would have been better, as well as focussing more on the front end of the focused ad brochure and the leaf resting on top of it...*sigh*

How often are you folks happy with the images you take? Every time I take a photo, I can see the flaws and the whole photography game feels a bit love/hate to me (>_<)

[Raskill]

I like it. Your PP work is nice, lovely colours. The brochure contrast nicely with everything else in the image. I think your focal point looks good. Having DOF with the fore and back ground OOF is good, helps to isolate what you are trying to focus on.

Good first image.

And yes, photography will drive you nuts at times.

[CraigVTR]

Ellie

I find my eye keeps running along the gutter to the back of the shot and the fact it is oof leaves me a bit frustrated. It seems to me my eye should be led to the subject, but the subject is the first piece of paper in the bottom rh corner. I do like the colours and the feel of the shot but have a problem with the placement of the subject.

I just had a look at your personal blog and your shots are very good. I find photography is a bit love/hate as well.

[kitchenwench]

@ Raskill - Thank you I used to have a tendency to over-process my images when I was working with my point-and-shoot, but am trying to keep it subtle now that I've got the dSLR since it captures so much in the image anyway!

@ Craig VTR - I can see what you mean now that you mention it! This is just in the back alley to a local train station so I might try and get another photo using your tips next week Glad to know that it's not just me who has the love/hate relationship with my photography...but a little wince-worthy that it doesn't go away even when one has as much experience as you do!! (took a look at your site - LOVE that portrait of the little boy with the water!!)

[gstark]

Ellie,

but have a problem with the placement of the subject.

I don't think it's so much a matter of the placement, but that it doesn't occupy enough of the image area. Had you moved closer to the subject, I think this may have been a much stronger image.

Perhaps try cropping this?

[Mr Darcy]

I like too,
but I agree, I feel the focus needs to be pulled towards the viewer slightly. I don't think it needs a smaller aperture though (BTW the BIGGER the number, the SMALLER the aperture - Confusing, I know, but it's all about the maths, which having reading a bit of your blog, I know you just love ) If you could have got the paint drips and the brochure in sharp focus and everything else OOF, It think it would have been magic instead of just great.

Also BTW I think I'll add your food blog to my favourites list. I enjoy cooking too, but not, I suspect, enough to tackle your family kimchi recipe.
- samples gratefully accepted though

[gstark]

I like too,
but I agree, I feel the focus needs to be pulled towards the viewer slightly. I don't think it needs a smaller aperture though (BTW the BIGGER the number, the SMALLER the aperture - Confusing, I know, but it's all about the maths, which having reading a bit of your blog, I know you just love ) If you could have got the paint drips and the brochure in sharp focus and everything else OOF,

And moving closer to the subject will actually enhance this aspect too.

[kitchenwench]

Thanks so much for the feedback guys - this is exactly what I need to start working on how I see images!

@ gstark - If this were as sharp as it could be, I probably would try your suggestion of a crop, but I think I want to try reshooting it so it's sharper and will try to get a closer image then It's certainly something that crossed my mind, though!

@ Mr Darcy - It's definitely going to be worth a try Looking at the image with fresh eyes thanks to the feedback, I think that a closer shot with the ad more centered will work better than this! I'll probably get the chance to reshoot on Monday so I'll upload the second attempt then and would love to hear what you and everyone else have to say about it And the kimchi recipe is definitely a bit extreme...the bungee jumping equivalent of the pickling world

[robert]

I agree a tighter crop might be good, and while the colour is eyecatching- I dont find a real focal point for the eye- I just keep looking around instaed of being drawn to something.

Your photos on your cooking blog are brilliant!

Mr Darcy you're a pizza fan? (the maths comment in the pizza recipe) They look awesome and within my bounds as a cook.

Robert

[Mr Darcy]

Mr Darcy you're a pizza fan? (the maths comment in the pizza recipe) They look awesome and within my bounds as a cook.

Not of the bought stuff, but I make my own every couple of weeks.
These days I cheat & use the breadmaker for the dough
Current favourite topping is
Preserved lemons (homemade, but Maggie Beers are acceptable)
Pepperdews - these have vanished from my local shops
cornichons
pickled onion
goats fetta
tomato
olives
mozzarella

[Alex]

Hi Kitchenwench!

Welcome to the forum.

I like the tones and how you made a potentially boring subject look interestings.

We are neighbours. I live near Mulgrave.

Alex