Hiking trail

[phoebesue]

I am very much a beginner. This was just taken with a point and shoot and edited with Picnik. I am hoping to move up to a better camera soon!

[hminx]

Well it's not too bad a start here, the arrow lifts this IMO. The new entry level dslr kits do a good job these days, as does some of the open source editing software ie gimp.
Welcome aboardj

[llewpics]

I think the arrow calls too much attention to itself, because there is a high level of contrast in that area of photo. On the other side, it does seem to make a statement, so it depends on what you were going for. I think you also had an eye for a shape of the path and it coming from the bottom left and winding upward works. Camera is important for technical aspects of photography, but I think photographer's vision is more so. Great start ...and keep posting!

[phoebesue]

Thank you for your comments!

[Photo-John]

Welcome to PhotographyREVIEW.com and our Photo Critique Forum! I think you've got a good eye and I'm sure we can help you refine your vision and technique

The arrow is definitely the subject here. That being the case, I think it needs to be a bit closer to the center of the image,. Have you heard of the "Rule of Thirds?" It recommends that you compose your photos by dividing your photos into a 3x3 grid and then place your main subjects on the grid lines. In your photo, the arrow sign sort of pulls my eye out of the photo. If the photo was composed with the rule of thirds then I don't think that would be the case.

Don't worry about your camera. Nice cameras help but they don't make the pictures. You make the pictures. I don't think there are any issues here that can be blamed on the camera. Just use what you've got for now and work on your composition. You've got plenty of room to grow before a new camera is a necessity

[monkey44]

Kinda like that arrow stuck out there as it is in the wild anyway when you find them. Instead of moving it into the 3/3 ratio John mentions, maybe pulling back, adding a bit more tree to its right would help with that eye-drag ... I like the concept you shot here tho, and the color is a nice blend.