A College Lifesavior

[emiles]

I'm so excited about having my new camera that I can't stop taking pictures. But I guess that's what it's all about.

The background is a little busy, but other than that, how would I improve on this?

Eric

[NKP68]

You're right, it's a bit busy. Drink can is in focus but I would have prefered to see the top of it. What are you trying to say (if anything) here? College is tough and it requires an extra shot of energy? I get the energy piece from the can, but what specificly says College here? Keep shooting (pix).

[n8]

this could have potential as some kind of self portrait. Next stop...tripod.

[JoshD]

This picture would be awesome if you combined a little of what the 2 previous replies said...

Get a tripod, get rid of some of the excess background stuff. Set it on self timer. Get yourself in the picture behind the can. Have your head in your hand, the other hand writing something down on paper. Keep the focus on the can. THAT would explain the "college lifesaver" thing a bit more

[emiles]

@NKP68 - I guess the "theme" was the fact that you do need a shot of energy, and I see what you mean about the "no college". In hindsight, maybe adding myself, like josh said, and maybe a book or two

@n8 - I have been looking to get one, just haven't had the time to go out and get one.

@Josh - That sounds like a great idea, the "Have your head in your hand, the other hand writing something down on paper."

[emiles]

Just re-took this, sorry for the necro. First time in a while I haven't had to do things so I got to play with my camera again. Gotta love test week. Tried to put in everyone's suggestions.

I realize that it is at a slight slant, but I have no idea how to fix it because I'm not the skilled with photo editing and when I tried it just cut out the corners and it looked terrible.

Eric

[DTxOCtavariumx]

I did A quick edit to the last pic... I dunno if it's any better... AND I don't recommend using iso 800. Not much you can do with this picture...

[emiles]

I like it better than the original. I hadn't quite figured out the white balance yet, so thank you Might I ask what you did?

[DTxOCtavariumx]

I went to into lightroom and messed around with the saturation and contrast. I have a better one i'm working on now if you want it

[GB1]

Ohhh emiles, you have such a nice subject and decent lighting, nearly ruined by poor composition! Why cut off the top of the can like this? Add a little negative space for your subject to breathe. Consider the bottom area as well though less is more acceptable there. Watch the objects behind your subject and try to prevent them from touching/merging into what you're taking the photo of (though you did blur it out nicely).

I do like the second photo a lot, the way it shows the fellow studying. I like DTxOCtavariumx's edit much much more, though. It has a classic color look to it (!!!)

GB

[emiles]

@DToXC - thanks, I'll have to play around a little bit more with paint.NET to try and learn what everything does. Right now I'm still in the beginner stages.

@GB - I agree that his edit is much better.

The first one I was really wasn't paying attention to many of the details. I was just so excited to get the camera and take pictures.

The second one was just trying to get the composition right and I hadn't figured out how to use the white balance button yet. Also, still new at learning the post-picture stuff so I wasn't really sure of what to do with it.

Thanks for the tips guys!!