My very first day with DSLR camera (canon 60D with canon 18-135mm lens)

[MissRed]

I'm totally new and I never had a DSLR camera but could you tell me if they are really bad for the first time?

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[Dave Humphries]

Hi Mariola,

I'm totally new and I never had a DSLR camera but could you tell me if they are really bad for the first time?

Short answer; no

I'll give a quick suggestion or two on each of something to try 'next time' to avoid some issues;

1 - You used f/8 here and focused on the closest part of the petals, a narrower aperture, e.g. f/16 would have given more Depth of Field and focusing a little further 'in' to the rose would have made more use of hyper-focal distance.

Also, watch the colour histogram to spot when the light meter is over exposing one or more channels - as it often will with a subject like this.

2 - If you want to make a habit of shooting wildlife (I do), it looks like you need a longer lens, or (until then) crop in Post Production (PP)

3 - Pretty good all round, better than many of mine

4 - More practice with panning (we mustn't forget this was your first day) will yield better results (e.g. a sharper bird), ideally keep the subject with a bit more space 'in front' of it tahn behind.

5 - I would have kept his feet in shot and positioned myself to avoid the bench appearing behind his arm.

6 and 7 - In the excitement; the camera isn't level and ideally you'd want to avoid having something bright and red/orange, even if behind the fence, in shot - as it attracts the viewers attention - but good exposure and choice of shutter speed to freeze the action, also shot timing is good

8 - a nice scene, but it could be said to need some human interest - e.g. someone sitting on the bench, or walking the path.

9 - These are tricky little wotsits to shoot, only suggestion would be a longer lens, since getting closer isn't viable

Hope that helps,

[MissRed]

Thank you for your honest opinion
I really can't wait until I will buy canon 70-300mm then I can shoot wildlife photos for real





I cropped them. You were right! Now they look beter

[Brownbear]

Hi Mariola,

I think you did very nicely for the first time around. I agree with all of Dave's suggestions and comments. Great job capturing the squirrel in the tree and the dogs playing, perhaps note that the horizon in the cropped dog photos could use straightening.

[MissRed]

Thanks. I will try that

[chauncey]

Congrats...being a new Canon type person, ya might want to hang out here
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php
for great Canon advise...their wisdom about all things Canon is boundless!

[mknittle]

Hi Mariola, very good for a first go. I agree with Dave and Christina.
You may want to hold off on the 70-300 if it is the one with no image stabilization. It would be difficult to shoot hand held and get a solid shot unless you use a sturdy tripod and lock the mirror up and use a remote trigger.
If I were you I would practice using what you have (Great setup for a beginner. you have plenty of room to grow into the camera) and save a bit more and get a better lens for longer shots than the 70-300.

[mknittle]

Hey chauncey, this is a great place too! It must be you all put up with me

[MissRed]

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM Lens
But canon 70-300mm has IS

[mknittle]

I was thinking of the 75-300 You still can't beat a good tripod!

[Downrigger]

Congratulations on your embarkation. Terrific start and you'll have fun (and frustration) working on improving. I bet we'll see many great shots from you here. Also... hang on to your wallet!