How to improve on my photos?

[benny]

What if it's compound eyes and can't have effective catchlights?

Cheers,

[luenny]

Richard,
In this case, I agree with the saying that eyes should be sharp.

However, I feel that there are some common rules to photography eg. eyes should be sharp. I know I'm gonna get it for saying this - but I seriously also feel that there are good photographs that break rules like this too. So for me, I feel that it's all trial and error. Yes eyes should be sharp most of the time but if you find it nicer to leave the eyes blur and bring out something else, then by all means do it. Or, if you can't decide to have the eyes sharp or to bring out other stuff or to have more DOF and have the whole subject sharp, try all, take more shots and select one that you like best at your PC. To me photography is a lot of trial and error to find what you like.

[hwchoy]

rules are rules, they are there to give you an idea what works (most of the time) and what don't (most of the time). once you learn what the rules are, then you can learn to break them

if you break the rules without knowing them, then it is just ignorance.

[hwchoy]

What if it's compound eyes and can't have effective catchlights?

Cheers,

compound eyes can have catchlights, see all the dragonfly and robberfly pix.

[luenny]

rules are rules, they are there to give you an idea what works (most of the time) and what don't (most of the time). once you learn what the rules are, then you can learn to break them

if you break the rules without knowing them, then it is just ignorance.

Yup, see? I told you good photographers break rules.

[trident]

Luenny,
How to break the rules when I don't know them in the first place?
if you break the rules without knowing them, then it is just ignorance.
I don't want to be ignorant, so I went to Kinokuniya to look for some photography book on macro photography.
There were so many books but none specifically on macro, maybe go back when I have more time to browse around.

Regards

[luenny]

Richard,
Try the local libraries. They have quite a selection of books on photography. May have some on macro also. Some more useful then others. Save your money for equipments.

[trident]

Just re-shot some pictures,
what do you think? Sharp enough?
C&C please.

Pelvicachromis taeniatus Moliwe head shot.
Canon 20D 100mm Macro lens. ISO400 f9 1/200

Pelvicachromis taeniatus Moliwe whole body shot
Canon 20D 55-250mm ISO400 F10 1/250

Dward Gourami, Colisa Lalia. Canon 20D 100mm Macro. ISO400 f9 1/200

[benny]

Richard,

For your first picture, your flash placement is off and you have allowed stray light to hit your lens and reflect off the front glass pane. Do take note of that.

For the second shot, the critical focus point is on the pectoral fins. If it was slightly further front, it will be perfect. Lighting and shadow control is adequate, although it can be better.

For the last shot, the critical focus seem to be just a tad behind the eyes, at the begining of the dorsal ridge. However, the almost parallel position of the subject leads to a larger area of the fish in focus. Lighting is well controlled as the subject is near to the substrate which reflected light upwards. There are no harsh shadows on the underside of the fish. However, the composition would benefit from more space around the subject.

In summary, these pictures are already above average that you would see in a lot of internet aquarium forums. Good progress.

Cheers,

[hwchoy]

Benny trying to say, you have passed PSLE. do consider using Photoshop or something similar to do some contrast enhancements.

[trident]

Benny, choy,
Thanks for your comments. I forgot to mention that I was using bounced flash for all these photos. The subject was in the cave and top flash is no use.
Still unsure of which software to use, Photoshop, elements or gimp.
Computer a bit slow now, hope to get my new computer soon.

[luenny]

Benny,
By stray light that hit the lens are you talking about that white line thing near the mouth of the fish? I thought that was because of scratches on the aquarium.

Richard,
Looks like you're putting your lens into good use. Lets continue to improve on our photo skills together. If you're considering between photoshop CS3 and GIMP, one cost $xxx while the other is free of the internet. Elements I was told is not as powerful as CS or GIMP.

[benny]

Benny,
By stray light that hit the lens are you talking about that white line thing near the mouth of the fish? I thought that was because of scratches on the aquarium.

Yes. These reflection can leave the photographer guessing and cleaning the glass like mad, but to no avail. If you look carefully (at an angle if necessary) you will notice they are line that form part of a series concentrate circles. Bingo! Reflection from lenses.

Cheers,

[luenny]

Oh yeah, you're right.

[trident]

Yes. These reflection can leave the photographer guessing and cleaning the glass like mad, but to no avail. If you look carefully (at an angle if necessary) you will notice they are line that form part of a series concentrate circles. Bingo! Reflection from lenses.

Cheers,

Benny,
I didn't notice it at first, saw it only after your comments.

Luenny,
Must make full use of the lens, don't want it to sit there and gather dust! As for the software, I just installed Elements and Gimp in my office computer, hope I have the time to try it out.