DSLR Rookie First Shot

[Dman51]

First DSLR (Nikon D3100) here's a shot I took of my motorcycle. I did a quick edit in iPhoto. Any comments would be appreciated as I want to really get into photography.

[Greg McCary]

First off welcome, I like the fact there is water drops on the bike. I think the DOF could have been deeper so all of the lettering is sharp. The lettering is also to centered. Google rule of thirds and composition and study up a bit.
Nice exposure.....

[Dman51]

Thanks for the response Greg, I'll be sure to read up. I tried to focus a few different ways in order to get all the letters in focus but couldn't figure it out until way after the fact but I will try a similar shot with your suggestions.

[armando_m]

Welcome to the forum !

Nice colors an exposition, I also like the dark out of focus background

I suppose you are using he kit lens 18-55 Vr ?
If so , VR wil help maintain blurr free image at lower shooter speeds and so you can use a smaller aperture and still get a sharp photo.
Besides using a smaller aperture, say F11, you may want to go a bit wider , perhaps 20 to 30mm and change the angle a bit so all the letters are in focus.

Congrats on the D3100 it is a nice camera

[Dman51]

Thanks for the help Armando I'll try to use your tips when I reshoot because that was probably why I could not get all of the letters in focus.

[trout bum]

Read and reread your owner's manual ~ it's laborious but it will make a bunch of difference. I picked up a D300s last year and went through the manual a good bit and tried to shoot pictures relevant to whatever part of the owner's manual I was in and just now feel comfortable with the camera.

Good luck! The rain drops are nice and do read up on the rule of thirds.

[dave23]

As both a motorcycle fiend and a bokeh nut, I immediately liked this shot... Fair looking bokeh to come from a kit lens.