The following is all my opinion...

First one, you can fix that in software if you're bothered. Boost the contrast and saturation. What's happening is probably the camera is set to expose for an average of the whole frame. If you can, set it to centre weighted or spot exposure, so it exposes for what you are aiming at.

Second one, get yourself an ƒ/1.8 or ƒ/2 50mm and try that kind of shot wide open. The background will become a much more creamy blurred space. It's called bokeh (pronounced bock-eh) and is an effect I really like when I can get it. For an example of what I mean, take a peep at the flower photos in gallery of Martin Bailey.

Thanks Heather - I took them on the "Auto everything" mode, but I'll have another go when I'm next down there. I did pop into Jacobs yesterday, and I think this is a good reason to treat myself to a 50mm when I get paid, (especially if the overtime comes through this month)

Those are some nice images and an unusual interface for viewing the thumbnail gallery too.

If you get one of those 5-in-1 reflectors (like this) without the covers on the disc is a plain white translucent jobbie. If you place this behind the flower in plently of sunlight you'll get a nice white plain background.

squall from FF8

Dear John,

Oh wait we don't have to do that on this thread. The first photo needs tighter composition, the grass is too centralised for me, and the bottom right of the photo is distracting, maybe try crops that cut off the right hand side of the photo. Maybe very slightly increase the contrast too if this doesn't mess up the cool colours too much.

Yes the second photo has a slightly busy background, this is where layers in photo shop come in as you can isolate the flower and fade the background. Having said that there are so many flower shots around that I think I'd be more inclined to go against tradition and use burning to increase the busyness and wack up the vibrancy of the flower, just to see how it looks. Note: this may look totally pants but I think anything is better than another flower in front of a piece of card shot :p

PS Under no circumstances muct it be assumed that I know what I'm talking about.

Thanks for the update.

hmmm, XLR cables.

*enjoys happy memories*

He didn't post the one of Chris looking like he's actually working though

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love the first pic heather, if you have ever watched james bond: goldeneye then you will notice that the paint scheme is EXACTLY the same setting and colours as the enemy base 006 and 007 storm


few pics I took today

practising taking pics of abandoned graffitied places with a human "model" added, what would suit better if I kept it in colour or black and white? any suggestions appreciated