A couple of images/New Member

[csa mt]

Mike, thanks! That's a great feature to have!

[Manfred M]

She is shooting handheld, so the two images will be at least slightly different. Is it practical to combine two such images? I ask because I have done so only when using a tripod.

I combine hand-held shots all the time. The important thing is to shoot aperture priority or manual with a constant aperture so that the depth of field is identical and to frame the shots to be roughly the same,so combining them is easy in Photoshop.

This shot is a composite made up of 6 or 7 hand-held images some with and some without an GND filter. The main reason for the large number of shots was to remove the people that are usually missing around the area leading up the the Parliament buildings, and I was able to remove them with this technique. I used GND to bring out the clouds and of couse had to get the tower exposed properly too. This is a fairly complex multi-image construct.

[csa mt]

Very good tip; I've been shooting in P mode.

[bnnrcn]

I like the composition in this image. With a capable software you usually can improve your images in the way you want. So I would suggest if your shooting skills are good enough, you should get a good software and enjoy your photography adventure

"PS. If you don't have a sturdy tripod, it is better to buy a really sturdy one and carry it with you if you are after sunset shots and night shots."

I do indeed have a very sturdy tripod; but these were "spur of the moment", and would have been gone by the time I got the tripod out on the deck, and got setup. I have also taken some that I included some of the sky along with some of the foreground & my results were a rather bland image, as the foreground at dusk is rather a "brownish", uninteresting sight, and takes away from the intense colors of the sky.

Here is one that shows the foreground.

[ied]

Welcome Carol, I felt exactly like you... ( reluctant ) and inadequate. However I have found that everyone is very encouraging and forthcoming with constructive criticism and instructional advise /tips. I have learned from your thread alone.
Irene

Wow! After seeing the beautiful images posted here, I'm very reluctant to post any of mine! But I'll post a couple for input as to how to improve them.

Thanks in advance!

Well sorry; image did not upload. I don't see any way of deleting post, so will try again.

[csa mt]

Thank you!

"you should get a good software and enjoy your photography adventure "

I have PS Elements 11. However, I've never tried the layers, etc., as it seems very complicated.

[csa mt]

Irene, I certainly agree that "everyone is very encouraging and forthcoming with constructive criticism and instructional advise /tips." I've been on other forums where the long-standing members are rather aloof and very critical. I was afraid this forum would be the same, when I saw the stunning images posted here! How very wrong I was to assume that; everyone is so helpful and friendly! I've also learned a lot in a very short time here, & look forward to soaking up more tips and knowledge from these great members!

[bnnrcn]

I would suggest you should get into 'layers', once you get used to it , you will never leave it I have learnt layers in PS CC with the help of a book but there are also some videos about it on the internet too. Once you decide to give it a go, I'm sure learning will be easier.

Thank you!

"you should get a good software and enjoy your photography adventure "

I have PS Elements 11. However, I've never tried the layers, etc., as it seems very complicated.

[JBW]

I know this is a mistake, as it does not incorporate the "thirds".

powerful and beautiful. As for the 'thirds' your top cloud layer is close. Now for the good news... I have been here less than a year and because of the mentoring I received both my skill and my enjoyment level have soared. I have no doubt that you will find the same thing. And remember what was just posted on another post...'I took about 150 shots of this spider and kept about 30, these three are the best'.

We are all try and try againers here.

[Nicks Pics]

Personally, I think the foreground adds interest to the images. I don't know much about bracketing images though. Tinypics doesn't usually work for me, even though I think I know how to use it,maybe it's a slow internet problem, so I usually use the attachments function.

[csa mt]

I would suggest you should get into 'layers', once you get used to it , you will never leave it I have learnt layers in PS CC with the help of a book but there are also some videos about it on the internet too. Once you decide to give it a go, I'm sure learning will be easier.

I promise, I will start experimenting with layers! Up till now, it just seems very intimidating; but it is a challenge that will be worthwhile!

[csa mt]

"powerful and beautiful. As for the 'thirds' your top cloud layer is close. Now for the good news... I have been here less than a year and because of the mentoring I received both my skill and my enjoyment level have soared. I have no doubt that you will find the same thing. And remember what was just posted on another post...'I took about 150 shots of this spider and kept about 30, these three are the best'.

We are all try and try againers here. "

Brian, thank you! Yes indeed, many, many images are taken before you get one that fulfills your expectations! I'm just glad I'm no longer in film, as it would get very expensive.

I've already learned a great deal here, thanks to the kind members sharing their expertise!

[csa mt]

Nick, thank you for your comment!

[Nicks Pics]

You're welcome!

[JBW]

I promise, I will start experimenting with layers! Up till now, it just seems very intimidating; but it is a challenge that will be worthwhile!

layers are like dancing, it is as simple or as complex as you make it. I have just started playing with layers and I use them very simply. I put in one adjustment and then I duplicate. This means I can see how the picture changes with each adjustment and duplicated layer. I can adjust or delete layers to my hearts content. basically I slow dance my way through layers. Others with the skills River Dance through it.

[csa mt]

Brian, I don't think I'll be River Dancing anytime soon with layers. I will start experimenting with a very slow dance!

Seriously, thanks for the encouragement!