Atherton & District Amateur Photographic Society

Hello all,
These are the two latest pictures i have taken tonight whilst on my bike going for a quick ride. The first one i could not resist and nearl came of my bike trying to stop to take it before they moved but didn't need to as they
stayed there while i took it and when i came back about an hour laterthey were still there.
The second one is finally the the train i was waiting for which was missing from the last train pic just like a bus when you need one there is never one there and when you dont you get two at one
please any comments are welcomed good or bad i'm here to improve my pictures.

Thanks

Michael

I much prefer the second image, which is well composed and helped by an unusual angle. Good timing as well.

There are two problems with the images as they stand. The first is a general lack of sharpness. The second is very low contrast. These would benefit from running through Photoshop (or a similar program) - just minimal adjustments would transform them. Photoshop elements is available on Amazon, often at very low prices. Alternatively GIMP is similar and free to download. Have a look at the ADAPS links page to see what we have there.

I've just had a look, and we list many links to suitable software, including the highly regarded GIMP.

Hi John,
I currantly have photoshop cs5 but not much idea on how to use it as my copy didn't come with any instructions whatsoever just how to install it. I will have a look at the software on the links page and as you suggested gimp program.

Thanks
Michael

John wrote: There are two problems with the images as they stand. The first is a general lack of sharpness. The second is very low contrast.

Agreed on both.

If you have Photoshop go Image > Adjustments > Levels for an easy way to add contrast. (Or learn to use adjustment layers).

Help - http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/levels.htm

If you have CS5. There is no need to look up Gimp. As photoshop is a superior program. It isnt supplied with instructions. But out there, there are literally hundreds of guide books. Though personally I find YouTube the best photoshop learning resource.

Try these... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZv774QsR3o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1ErfXqXFJ0

Michael
I have recently purchased a tutorial cd and downloaded
the video\lesson files to work on with the tutorial PDF.

You are more than welcome to a copy of the PDF & downloaded
files. I am working through the lessons myself.

I will be there Thursday night but only briefly as
I will have daughter in tow.

Regards

Shaun

Hi Shaun,
Thanks that would be great i will be there for 7

thanks

Michael

Michael google Scott Kelby on youtube he's the photoshop guy, teaches the programme in simple terms covers most versions of photoshop or follow the link below, enjoy !

http://kelbytv.com/photoshopusertv/


Regards

Dennis

Dennis G wrote: google Scott Kelby ....

Good call. I'd highly recommend his books too:

Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0321839951/?tag=paujon-21
Great for beginners to digital photography!


Professional Portrait Retouching Techniques for Photographers Using Photoshop
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0321725549/?tag=paujon-21
Recommended for anyone looking to improve their portraits!


Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It: Learn Step by Step How to Go from Empty Studio to Finished Image
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0321786610/?tag=paujon-21
Excellent book for lighting setups and improving the Raw image!

Absoluitely agree Paul, have the book set and again he writes in easy to follow steps making it practicle to try out the methods in the books.

Agreed Dennis. I'm sure many of our new members would learn some things from the Digital Photography Boxed Set. He writes in a very easy to follow manner that helps you to understand.

And I now use some things I picked up from the other two books. You never stop learning...

Hello all,
Thanks for youur comments and words of advice about learning obout photoshop i've had a look on you tube and there is quite a lot to look at but it it's really good software i just picked one at random and it was quite short
video and this is what ive done to the picture. Now off to look at more video's

Thanks again

Michael

Hi

Thanks for posting your images - it may encourage more of our newer members to do the same.

The subject matter in both images is great and well spotted - thats a really good place to start!

Technique is something we all need to work on, even the more experienced members.

I feel both images are slightly over exposed and a little soft, do you shoot in manual or automatic mode?

If you need any help with settings etc just ask when you are next at the club.

Composition is good and the angle of the trains has really helped. Keep posting.

Regards Gill

Hello Gill ,
These shots were taken on fully automatic on my Nixon coolpix s3300 whilst sat on my bike leaning on the bridge at spring's branch depot in lower ince.
Today I'm out trying out my Panasonic in raw mode see i come up with.

Thanks

Michael