MY first post.

[asolley]

The Oxbow is a little river that winds its way alongside the river channel in Penticton BC. I live about 30 feet from where I took these pics. Went out early one morning shortly after getting my new camera. I was looking to see if a Blue Heron that visits often was there but of course it wasn't. I took a few shots and I kind of like the one with the cattail. I noticed something on a log on the far side of the Oxbow and zoomed in and found it was a turtle. I took the picture at almost full zoom hand held. (Forgot my tripod) I would appreciate any comments. I know I have a lot to learn and am anxious to get started..

[asolley]

Sorry but here is the second picture I mentioned in my original post.

[Geoff F]

Basically not bad, Art, but I would crop a fraction closer in each case.

The turtle is getting somewhat 'lost' amongst all that confusing background. Reducing the height by around a quarter, and a similar amount from the sides would concentrate on your intended subject.

With the second scene, which is quite good overall, there is a lot of foliage on the right which is taking up space without adding a lot to the general view. You could probably reduce the top by a corresponding amount; or try a different size ratio if you want to reduce the right side by a greater amount.

[Shadowman]

Were you able to zoom in further or move closer on the first image? With the available light you should have been able to handhold for better sharpness.

[asolley]

Were you able to zoom in further or move closer on the first image? With the available light you should have been able to handhold for better sharpness.

No.. I was standing right on the bank and the log was on the far side.. My camera has a 42X zoom and I used it all.. I have already cropped about 1/3 of the bottom of the picture but as Geoff F suggested I should crop a little more from the top maybe. I was a little unsteady standing on the edge of the bank and I was surprised it turned out as sharp as it did.. I'm learning with every shot.

[Shadowman]

No.. I was standing right on the bank and the log was on the far side.. My camera has a 42X zoom and I used it all.. I have already cropped about 1/3 of the bottom of the picture but as Geoff F suggested I should crop a little more from the top maybe. I was a little unsteady standing on the edge of the bank and I was surprised it turned out as sharp as it did.. I'm learning with every shot.

I have a camera with a digital zoom function and it was always difficult to hold steady, it always felt as if the extended lens was rotating as I tried to hold steady.

[IzzieK]

#1 looks nice to be a candidate for selective focusing in PP to blur the background a little bit and concentrate it on your subject -- the turtle? Just a suggestion...