[FType22]

I'm too lazy to go through this whole thread, which is probably not fair to you, but I did read the first and last pages to compare your photos. It looks like you are branching out into trying new things, like the long exposure photo that created the really cool light trails.

I think though, that it seems between your first and last photos a couple things still stand out.

1. Your composition still seems to be a bit off. I'd suggest either watching youtube videos on composition or practicing taking the same photo several different ways to see how different they look given the eye line, where the subject is in relation to the frame (camera right/center/left) and how the background is framed. I work in film so I am always very cognisant of the background whenever anything is framed, this isn't as important in photography (arguably) but a shitty background can ruin a shot regardless of it being still/moving.

2. Editing. Your editing looks to have improved immensely from the first to last page. I did read early on you didn't have photoshop and you were using the canon tool. I find that very valuable to adjust for improper exposure or clipping etc etc changes if you don't have the proper light to really set a scene. I think you should get a strobe if you're thinking about doing more night photography because it's very difficult to get a clean shot without a light source you can manipulate.

3. Keep doing it! You've got passion and locations, you're building up the skill and you've shown improvement. Find your own style, create what you like, and continue to master it. Take a class or two or meet with other photographers to get some brian share. Creativity can be found in marvelous places.

[Kzang]

Thank you for your advice and tips! DJP86 you hit the nail on the head I admit that my composition is awful and needs drastic improvements! I seem to continue to have issues with it...

[FType22]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Thank you for your advice and tips! DJP86 you hit the nail on the head I admit that my composition is awful and needs drastic improvements! I seem to continue to have issues with it...

Practice makes perfect though, I feel composition is one of those things in life that seem so obvious, yet take real work to actually master. The viewfinder seems so small until you have to evaluate every little thing inside of it.

[Kzang]

I used a prime lens 24mm and 50mm on all these recent shots so that I would move around and try to find a good shot.

[John Tanglewood]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Thank you for your advice and tips! DJP86 you hit the nail on the head I admit that my composition is awful and needs drastic improvements! I seem to continue to have issues with it...

Grab this book to help with your composition, it's one of best out there. Focus is more on b&w but you get the point.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Photog.../dp/1933952687

And when you have an hour or so, check out this thread on NASIOC.....it helped me to become a better photographer and learn all the areas where I needed work. It's an old thread but the values and examples are still 100% true.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1263892

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by John Tanglewood

Grab this book to help with your composition, it's one of best out there. Focus is more on b&w but you get the point.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Photog.../dp/1933952687

And when you have an hour or so, check out this thread on NASIOC.....it helped me to become a better photographer and learn all the areas where I needed work. It's an old thread but the values and examples are still 100% true.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1263892

Wow Thank you! I ordered the book and just read that thread and it was very helpful with full details on angles and tips.

[John Tanglewood]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Wow Thank you! I ordered the book and just read that thread and it was very helpful with full details on angles and tips.

Hell yeah man!!

That book is a foundation piece. I hope you enjoy it and pass it along to others like you. I find something new to try or think about every time I go back to it!

[Mik3ymomo]

Some things I would have to show you and are not easily explained. Bokeh effect is determined by a few factors. Focal length, Aperture, difference in distance ratio of camera to subject and subject to its background.

I could show you easier than I could probably explain so you would fully understand.
Keep experimenting and you will figure out what I mean.

Originally Posted by Kzang

Mik3ymomo Tried many times but can't seem to get the background blurred affect using my 50mm f 1.8 at low light like you did with your samples above! As you can see from these photos I couldn't open the aperture up and most are at f10 except for the first and second photo which is at 1.8. But the bokeh isn't as quite as nice as yours.

Here are some night shots taken recently.