Getting Started

[Cmu_dogtag]

I mountain bike into remote areas that few people ever get to see and I want the images I capture to be special. I purchased a new Nikon D90 because a P&S was not really cutting it.

These are some of the first shots I've taken with the new camera. I know these are not perfect but I am amazed at how well this camera performs. I have a lot to learn - please let me know how I could improve.

[OldClicker]

Are you using a tripod? - Terry

[Cmu_dogtag]

I don't own a tripod yet so just hand held.

[NKP68]

I like #1, nice view of the distant mountains. It looks like there are some buildings on the grass flats. Can you get to the other side of the river, safely? Perhaps they can add more interest to the scene. As it is now I see a lot of FG water. What if you cropped up to that dark horizontal line in the river? I like the sky too, are you using any filters?
Ed

[LeeIs]

love the scenery here. you're eye for composition is good.

there seems to be a red tint to these on my monitor. I think correcting that in post processing will make these pop even more.

as for what would make it better, i think they are both a bit flat. if you look at the first one all the lines are running horizantal. which makes it flattish.

I would try to add something that has a bit of a perspective and that creates some sort of depth by leading the eye in to the photo.

[GB1]

Welcome. I think they're technically OK and not too bad for hand holding, but like Terry said a tripod is a good thing. I like the bottom one a lot better than the top because it has more planes, and forms more of an interesting angle (hills to flat area). The top does indeed look flat, but it's OK as a snapshot of some nice mountains. Cameras often can't really reproduce what we see and feel when we're there.

G

[Supercat]

I think they are very good. The contrast of the clouds, water, land and mountains, especially in the second one, is quite visually appealing. Would you mind sharing where you took these?

[Cmu_dogtag]

@Supercat - Look here to see a google map of the area.

Thanks to everyone with comments on my photos. Not much time for anything but work lately.

I've made some attempts at editing based on comments but Photoshop is just as new to me as the camera.

[Username2343]

Get a cheap tripod and do some huge panoramas next time.

[armando_m]

great landscapes!

love the clouds

the second shot is awesome, really like the light on the hills on the right

as said whitebalance is a bit warm (redish)

riding a bike, and carrying a tripod may not be too practical, in my opinion,
shooting using day light at the speeds and focal lengths you used I do not really
see the need for a tripod, also if your lens has image stabilization, then you can stay away from the tripod even in more challenging light situations.

[ccd333]

Both shots are sharp enough, but could use a bit of a contrast boost to make what colors are there pop a bit more. So along those lines you might even think about doing a B&W conversion to take advantage of the relative monochrome of winter in Colorado.

Number one is the best comp.....I like what's going on with the clouds above the also interesting snow covered peaks. But that's essentially the only appealing parts. Don't rely on the geography to always make a great scene. Find some other elements to draw the viewer in. The ice has some nice texture changes to them, but by and large it is a dull foreground. Find something in the ice....some rocks, a frozen log, etc. to take the eye through the scene. You have some of that in the second shot, but they are too far away to do the job as effectively as it could be (though I'm sure the full size shots mitigate that somewhat). Otherwise, unless there is something else dramatic going on then you will have.....as GB1 described....some nice snapshots of some mountains. Make your surroundings work for you.

Speaking of the second shot......it looks cut off. The balance is not totally bad, but since the mountains above are shrouded in clouds, I'm wanting to know what's to the left. Also, it needs a slight CCW tilt. You can see how straight the horizon is on your first shot and you did an excellent job on that one. Don't get sloppy on other shots, particularly when you have something in the scene that is as definitive of a horizon evaluator as a body of water. I really like the little patch of blue sky in the this shot too.

All in all, if you are just beginning I say very good! You are on the right track with a good camera, the ability to find unique places, the incredible state of Colorado to shoot (I live here too), and most esp. your desire to want to learn. Keep taking lots of photos and keep posting on forums like this.....you will learn immeasurably.

[ccd333]

If I might disagree with armando just a bit......a small tripod that folds up compactly would not be too cumbersome. That would be my other suggestion.....is to try these kinds of scenes at dawn and dusk. For that, to really get a good sharp shot you will want a tripod....esp. if you think you will need a shutter speed of more than about a half second.

Keep in mind also that the D90 only has stabilization if the lens has it (I think the kit lens does fortunately). That is one advantage of some of the other DSLR's like the Pentax models that have in body stabilization.

[arne saknussen]

How about using the bike as a tripod?

[Username2343]

How about using the bike as a tripod?

You sir, just blew my mind.

Cmu, it's been decided. You have to mount your D90 onto your handlebars.

You wouldn't even have to get off your bike!

[gahspidy]

Welcome to the dungeon. . . er forum that is. :P

Your first photo has the most potential of the two because the mountains are clearly in view, the land area below is colorful and interesting and the sky and clouds are adding and complimenting the scene.
There was no benefit in including the water in that shot, it adds very little if nothing at all. Cropping the image up to the land and then brightening it a bit to that of the second shot, makes a beautiful panorama.

The second photo just does not have enough eye candy here. The inlet area of the scene is not nearly as attractive as the land are you focused on in the first, and the mountains are not very clear and just out of reach to be a real part of the image.

Cropping up to the land on that first photo gets you a fantastic and wonderful piece,

Thanks for sharing.

[Cmu_dogtag]

You sir, just blew my mind.

Cmu, it's been decided. You have to mount your D90 onto your handlebars.

You wouldn't even have to get off your bike!

I see blood and a broken camera in my future with this suggestion.

I tried some cropping and "adjusted" the brightness. i.e. I let Photoshop have it's way with this picture.

[gahspidy]

Something as simple as a crop can make the day. Stunning image that would be a treat to see framed large.

Good adjustment to brightness and tone

The water was not needed. . .

[daq7]

These are both excellent. I guess just a bit more contrast. The second is a much better composition. The first is visually interesting but lacks a strong center of interest.

[Supercat]

@Supercat - Look here to see a google map of the area.

Thanks to everyone with comments on my photos. Not much time for anything but work lately.

I've made some attempts at editing based on comments but Photoshop is just as new to me as the camera.

Thanks, CMU. I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures throughout the summer.:thumbsup: