Introduction...

[ladybugamanda]

Hello - I'm Amanda. I dabble in photography and am anxious to learn more. I shoot mostly for my own pleasure/amusement. I've done a few sessions for friends and family. I love nature photography as well as the challenge of portrait - on location stuff. I use a Cannon Digital Rebel XT. If I can figure out how I'll put a few photos on here.

[ladybugamanda]

I did it, I did it!

[Pose]

Congratulations to you! And welcome.

I'm not sure if you want a critique or not, but either way, I enjoy the pictures! Beautiful scenery, and very nice exposure and composition.

I look forward to seeing more of your work.

[ladybugamanda]

I welcome critique!!! I'm totally self taught and working off instinct. I'd like to learn more of the mechanics - both settings and touching up/cropping/editing on the computer. Thank you for the compliment!

[Didache]

Hi there and welcome. This is a very promising start indeed! The differential focus in the mountain/thistle shot is lovely, and the diagonal and informal composition in the portrait is lovely too. If I had one small thing to say, it would be to try a little fill-in flash with the portrait. The girl's eyes and mouth are a little in shadow and fill-in flash would deal with that and light up the face a little. Most cameras will have a fill-in flash setting. Even so, well done!

Mike

[ladybugamanda]

Thank you Mike. I will definately explore my camera to find that fill in flash function. It is a challenge I have when shooting outdoors - the dark eyes, etc. I wonder if there is a way to correct it with Photoshop Elements?

[jar_e]

Amanda,

Great first shots and welcome to the boards! Hopefully you enjoy your time here. Interesting use of the flower and the mountain, but I like it. Some might say it's a tad busy, but I enjoy it as it brings everything to the centre to give it a near symmetrical look. Great colors, and definitely the lighting is superb due to the natural sunlight! Great shot and keep on posting!

Jared