i am not happy with the results of my D5100

here is the image


Camera nikon D5100
Auto mode.
f 3.5
1/60 sec
ISO Speed 1600
max aperture 3.6
focal length 18mm
flash auto. fired.

nothing attractive in this image it looks like it was taken with any mobile camera. i want the results like professional photos.

i know i dont know much about photography but i just wana know can D5100 get the results like this image.

Zahid said:

here is the image
View attachment 16408

Camera nikon D5100
Auto mode.
f 3.5
1/60 sec
ISO Speed 1600
max aperture 3.6
focal length 18mm
flash auto. fired.

Click to expand...

Here are some tips:

1) Stop using flash. It washes things out. Only use it if you're trying to fill shadows, but personally, I like to try to just use natural light.

2) Stop using Auto. Take ONE picture of your subject with the "no flash" feature. Then go into "play" mode to view the photo and hit up or down arrow on your camera to see the histograms. Then take whatever settings you see there and go to manual mode and duplicate them. From there, take pictures with different speeds, ISO and fstop settings. See what looks best in photoshop.

3) Take ALL photos in RAW or RAW+JPEG basic. You get better results post-prod.

4) If at all possible, keep your ISO down. Don't set it higher than 400 in normal light settings.

5) Read your manual or go online to find out how to use the camera. There are a lot of settings you need to know about. And browse these forums for lots of tips and ideas.

6) Take LOTS of pictures in one setting. You likely won't get one you like on one or two shots.

7) Shoot in continuous fire mode. This lets you take many pictures in a row to get the perfect pose/facial feature.

8) Invest in a sturdy tripod and a smaller, more portable one, as well as a remote shutter trigger.

9) Oh, stop using flash. And stop using auto. I'm for realz.

By the way, I use a D3000 and get pretty good results, IMO.

Feel free to take a look at my gallery and see if you want to take any of my advice seriously.

Okay - I moved this to the critique forum so more will see it...

The first thing I would suggest is to read about what makes a good photo, and how to take it. Analyze what is appealing to the example you posted. The focus (which is actually a bit off), the lighting, and the composition. The photographer made the eyes the center of attention. If you can see the exif, I bet it's 35 or 50mm. It doesn't look like a flash was used, but natural light.

There are several aspects of your photo that are off. For portrait photography you almost never want to use 18mm. It will distort things - most apparently in his foot. Use 35 or more whenever possible.

Think about the composition. His face should be in the center. Sometimes this can be fixed with cropping. Think about what the subject is before the photo is taken. Use the rule of thirds.

Most importantly, lighting - your flash fired because there wasn't enough light. The popup flash on the D5100 is okay for some situations, but if you want a more professional photo either use natural light, or invest in a sb-600 or sb-700. I never use a flash if I don't have too though. Sometimes it's a matter of turning it off, dialing settings in if not in auto mode, and holding the camera steady. Pay attention to your light meter. If you simply don't have enough light you'll end up with a blurry photo.

If you don't understand any of the above you'll need to read and practice as much as possible. You'll get it

Thanks guys. i appreciate your help i'll shoot some more guys and let you see the photos

I think the white balance is wrong....You wont get professional results using amateur settings....Nothing wrong with the camera...

Unfortunately, running before you can walk never works with complicated hobbies like photography. You have to start getting out of the consumer ' snaps ' mode and start experimenting with A priority, S Priority, M Priority. Read up as much as you can, check your manual for tips. I find the official maker manuals only go as far as telling you what the settings are and dont delve deep enough in the ways that they can be interpreted. Maybe try one of the Magic Lantern Guides for your model of camera. These go a lot further than the Nikon manual.

You've had some good advice here already, so follow it up, and keep experimenting. One of the best things you can do is try something, and post the results here, with EXIF data intact, that way you'll get all the help you need to guide you here on the forums. You'll find plenty of people willing to help.

Frankly, your subject and almost monochromatic colors are boring. You are shooting indoors with a pop up flash at a high ISO. You are not going to get good results with that formula.

The "Soul Music" shot in your member album is quite good. Nice composition, lighting, and color. If this is yours I like it. If not, let me know and I'll delete it.

Agreed , though a little over saturated for my own tastes

yes its mine. it was in daylight. but i dont remember the settings i was just changing the settings before very click

I very seldom use pop up flash for portraits. Unless, I just want a snapshot. I quickly invested in a flash to do bounce flash. It made a big difference. Especially indoors.

Just add my first observation to what has already been said.

When taking a picture like the guy on the stairs. Have the subject move away from the back ground so there is depth added. He looks like he is part of the wall he is leaning on.

Zahid said:

yes its mine. it was in daylight. but i dont remember the settings i was just changing the settings before very click

Click to expand...

Take a look at the Exif data for the shot, it will have the settings for you.

Zahid said:

Yes its mine. It was in daylight. I don't remember the settings. I was just changing the settings before every click.

Click to expand...

You need a means of recording your Exif data settings so that you can make your own comparisons and know which setting you like best.

Auto mode does not a professional photographer make.

thank goodness that is not a camera makes a professional photographer, perhaps the day will come, and a sad day that will be..

What fun will it be when the computer does all the work, perhaps evening providing framing and composition hints.

I teach some photo classes, and get a kick, when someone says..why didn't you tell me about that earlier,, and well, because the person was not ready yet.

Build a solid foundation, join classes, read magazines, join photo critique sites, if you are really serious about being able to take pro level photos.

otherwise,, enjoy a wonderful camera.

"Professional" results are usually well planned and lighted photos that also usually involve many hours of Post Processing. You will never get a "ready for publication" photo straight out of any camera.

Learn and practice post processing, and keep practicing. Professionals have put a lot of hours behind a camera before getting the results they are getting now.

Enjoy your Nikon!

Haha, don't hold back I think some feedback was a bit harsh.. interesting reading for the inexperienced (like me)
Good luck!

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