Ready To Listen

[ADA33]

Ok I really want to learn how to take better shots.
My camera is a Panasinic Lumix DMC-Fz20 (Mabey a better one can be suggested) but I seen better shots from people with less of a camera.

Here are the settings

And here are the shots.
Please give me your suggestions

 

[ADA33]

Also I have alot of experience in photoshop but would rather take better shots.

 

[ssbreef]

At F2.8 your not getting much DOF (depth of field) for the shots you are shooting. I use F2.8 for close ups and for things I want in focus wile putting the background out of focus.

 

[ADA33]

What would be a better Fstop to use?

 

[jedininja]

It really depends on the DoF you want. But try upping it to maybe around 8 first to see if you like it. Also, are you using a flash? Your colors seem washed out. Instead of flash, adjust your white balance and use a tripod.

 

[ADA33]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8639458#post8639458 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jedininja
It really depends on the DoF you want. But try upping it to maybe around 8 first to see if you like it. Also, are you using a flash? Your colors seem washed out. Instead of flash, adjust your white balance and use a tripod.

Thanks I will try 8 when the lights come on tomarrow. I am not using a flash and did use a tripod but I have 2 400w MH above the tank. Is that part of the problem?

 

[jedininja]

NO, the lighting shouldnt cause too much of a problem. If thats the case, you need to lower the exposure (using F8 will help) and adjust the white balance.

 

[ADA33]

Ok when the lights come on I will do F8 (practiced on the kids) did look better. But what do I adjust the white balance to?

 

[ssbreef]

Re: Ready To Listen

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8638372#post8638372 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by widefx
Ok I really want to learn how to take better shots.

This really isn’t the right way to learn. F8 isn’t a solution. You really need to learn what aperture; shutter speed and DOF are before getting any decent pictures. Until then I would suggest shooting in auto mode. There tons of great books out there and tons of great articles online.

 

[jedininja]

Good point. Nothing beats getting a good book and learning the correlations between reading histograms, aperature, and shutter speeds.

 

[ADA33]

Ok how about suggesting a good Book.

(but what a let down I was really getting hyped up about getting some tips from pros like yourselves)

I never tell an armature PS person to get a good book.

Well now that my tail is between my legs. I will do some research and revisit this thread.