Nope. not yet, have the parts sitting around and I've been working on them off and on for over a year now. I'll probably get around to them this summer

 

Olympus E-500 + kit lens. Picked it up used with another lens for $300

 

nice nuts! haha

 

Nice, Hai! I just came across this thread now because I didn't have internet in my new apartment when you posted this.

I wish your EXIF data were there.

#1 - i think shots like these are a lot more interesting when you focus on the third or fourth, or fifth (etc.) rather than the one closest.

#2 - seems almost OOF (out of focus), or just really soft. Throw in a CPL to get rid of that haze on your windshield and you've got a nice shot. Edit: I just read that you were using a polarizer. Still get a little haze in that first shot, though. But I can see the CPL working in the others.

#3 - it's a bit right heavy for my tastes. when the wheels are turned this way, i prefer the the frame to be left heavy - and vice versa. of course there are always exceptions to this (that and this is all personal preference mind you). this shot just has too much empty space on the wrong side (again, JMHO. and i do it, too, to see how it comes out. i typically don't like it even when i do it, but sometimes i do. each situation is always different). the trash can could have been cloned out for a cleaner shot, too.

#4 - i'd like to see just a taaaad more space on the bottom end. check out grant's recent picture <a href="http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h211/gdup35sedan/heyitzalex%20G35/IMG_0487copy.png">
here</a>. It's not as bottom heavy, even though it's just a tad higher than yours. But it makes all the difference in the world. I'd also try to level it out some more (in Photoshop if anything).

#5 - i'd have to say this is your best shot. Although I am not a fan of the lighting in the late afternoon/evening. Personally, I dislike the golden tint of the light at this point. I much prefer morning sunrise shoots. Especially on our DG's, the warmth doesn't do much for me. Again, it's all personal preference. I do, however, like the composition in this shot the most.

 

I hope you don't mind, but here is my take on the last shot.


*excuse the messy chop

It's important to remember that there's no correct way to process a picture. Sometimes I prefer warmth, other times I prefer the cooler side. Everyone has their own approach.

 

Thanks for the tips and comments Cal, exactly what I needed. I am an uber noob and I can use all the help I can get. Sorry about the EXIF info, i'm pretty sure it got lost when I added the border. I normally do it by scaling my picture, and then opening a new file that is 25-50 pixels wider all around, and then pasting my old image into the new one. What is the best way to add a border while retaining the EXIF info?

 

Damn, that's a lot of work to add those borders!

Here is how I do it:

1) Image -> Canvas Size...
2) Check the Relative box
3) Input values
4) Choose canvas extension color (usually black)
5) OK (duh! )

Keep in mind this is all done to the actual image file. There's no need to open a new file and paste the image into that one, etc.

Also, Actions are probably going to be your best friend as the save a ton of time. The Actions tool can record every move you make to be applied in the future with the press of a button. I typically use Actions to re-size my images and add borders if I please. I wouldn't recommend using Actions for actually editing images for obvious reasons. But it works great for consistent edits (re-sizing, watermarking, etc.)

To record an Action, have an image file already open and ready to be re-sized and whatever.

1) Window -> Actions
2) Create new action (bottom of window next to trash can)
3) Input name
4) Set Function Key
5) Record
6) Do as you wish (i.e. re-size via Image -> Image Size... or add border via Image -> Canvas Size... etc.)
7) Click Stop icon at the bottom of the action window

Now for every following image you can just press (i.e.) F2 and it will automatically re-size and add a border.

 

^ that is how I do it as well

 

LOL, thats what the first page I got when I googled it told me to do, FAIL!

 

Deepdiver shoots with an E-500 I think. He's moving up to a 520 soon, though. He gets some great shots out of the 500. But he's also got some quality glass. Tamron 18-50 2.8 I think it is.

Canon and Nikon are overrated.

 

I like the olympus alot, its smaller and takes better pics than my friend's Rebel he let me borrow, but the lens selection for the 4/3rds format is pretty slim, and all the decent lenses are very expensive, like 3-5 times the price I paid for the body and lenses combined. I'm happy with the kit lenses for now though.

 

I actually prefer my 40D over the 350D because it's bigger. In fact, I got a vertical battery grip to make it even bigger.

As far as taking better pictures, I'm not so sure about that. There's a lot to consider before you can make that comparison.

I opted for Canon because of the wide variety of glass. That, and my friends all use Canon so I can borrow their gear.

 

I meant with the kit lens.

 

sexy nuts.

 

I'm glad you like my nuts
























In your mouth