Yamaha R1

Peekcha

New member
Shot with D90
50mm f1.8D
f2.8
1/80s
ISO 200
exposure compensation -0.7
aperture priority

Feedback I'm looking for is composition and exposure

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1314762291.631610.jpg
 

Rick M

Senior Member
Assuming the blue thing is the primary subject, I think that piece should be entirely in focus with the rest blurred.
 

Browncoat

Senior Member
Composition
I know this is a motorcycle, but I wouldn't know that from looking at your photo. You've accomplished your goal of creating an interesting perspective, but the depth here is way off...by astronomical proportions. Playing with DoF is a good thing. It's a great way to be creative and add interest to your photos. Here, you've gone to the extreme and your subject is barely recognizable.

Exposure
Because it's so out of focus, it's really difficult to tell. To me, it looks underexposed by at least one full stop, but that may be just because 3/4 of the composition are dark colors.
 

Peekcha

New member
Thanks for the detailed feedback Anthony. If I wanted to keep the same idea in this picture but have the tank and logo crisp but other parts blurred out what f stop would you recommend. I noticed that when I brought my f stop to 8 the background was getting crisp and the photo did not look as interesting.


Also here is another shot ImageUploadedByTapatalk1314803544.956648.jpg
 
Last edited:

Carolina Photo Guy

Senior Member
Nice shot, but!

I understand the risk of the Bike falling over if you straighten the shot, but that is a risk you need to take. :)

Poles & buildings usually run up and down and that is what the eye expects. I can take or leave the reflection, although the shot can support the extra interest.

Either way, I like the shot.
 

Browncoat

Senior Member
If I wanted to keep the same idea in this picture but have the tank and logo crisp but other parts blurred out what f stop would you recommend. I noticed that when I brought my f stop to 8 the background was getting crisp and the photo did not look as interesting.
There is a pretty big difference between f/2.8 and f/8, especially when you're talking about a prime lens used at close range from the subject, as with your motorcycle gas tank.

One of the most difficult aspects of photography is melding the technical (camera settings/software/etc.) with the creative. You're using both halves of the brain, and that is difficult for anyone to do. Creatively, your mind sees something, and you are trying to replicate that when you press the shutter. I think what you're seeing with that tank/handlebars composition is exaggerated depth and perspective. You are trying to bend the rules of reality, which can be done with photography...that's one of the coolest things about this art form.

Here is an exercise I learned in a photography class that will help you:

If you have a tripod, use it. Attempt your shot again, making sure you have ample lighting and are using AP mode. Start at f/2.8 and press the button. Turn your dial and take another photo, and then another. Go all the way from minimum to maximum aperture, then look at your results. I'm sure one of them will be exactly what you're looking for.
 

Peekcha

New member
There is a pretty big difference between f/2.8 and f/8, especially when you're talking about a prime lens used at close range from the subject, as with your motorcycle gas tank.

One of the most difficult aspects of photography is melding the technical (camera settings/software/etc.) with the creative. You're using both halves of the brain, and that is difficult for anyone to do. Creatively, your mind sees something, and you are trying to replicate that when you press the shutter. I think what you're seeing with that tank/handlebars composition is exaggerated depth and perspective. You are trying to bend the rules of reality, which can be done with photography...that's one of the coolest things about this art form.

Here is an exercise I learned in a photography class that will help you:

If you have a tripod, use it. Attempt your shot again, making sure you have ample lighting and are using AP mode. Start at f/2.8 and press the button. Turn your dial and take another photo, and then another. Go all the way from minimum to maximum aperture, then look at your results. I'm sure one of them will be exactly what you're looking for.

Once again thank you for such detailed feedback and you better described what I was trying to do than I described it myself. I was using a tripod during this shot but did not strike my mind to do what you have suggested with the f stops. I'm definitely going to give it another go and hopefully achieve better results.
 
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