Hello! I have been exploring for years and snapping photos along the way. I don't however have any real idea how good the photos are. I originally started taking photos as a form of historical documentation and over time realized I could artsy it up - at least I think I am...


Here's a couple of really recent ones that I am curious about.

1. I don't know what this is called as a technique, but I like the effect the low to the ground shot has on the overall composition.


2. I am semi-obsessed with reflections in things; I really like large industrial sites reflected in standing water and myself reflected in things.


3. Trying for an abstract look


All of these are shot on an iPhone (I have a small camera but haven't uploaded the images in a while). The only editing I've done is some cropping.

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Here's what I've learned when reading critiques: You get 1000 different opinions from 1000 different people. My advice is to shoot what YOU like and not worry about what other people may like. Find your own voice. I'm not sure about your photographic experience level but there are a ton of great tutorials on youtube for your specific camera and photography in general. Also if you use photoshop or lightroom there are tutorials in the program itself as well as online. When editing, play around with the settings. I've gotten some really interesting results by sliding those bars to one extreme or the other. No matter your experience level you never stop learning!

So get out there, shoot what you like the way you like it and come back with a good story. Asking others what they think will only serve to confuse you as you'll get completely contradictory answers.

Posted by Peptic Ulcer Here's what I've learned when reading critiques: You get 1000 different opinions from 1000 different people. My advice is to shoot what YOU like and not worry about what other people may like. Find your own voice. I'm not sure about your photographic experience level but there are a ton of great tutorials on youtube for your specific camera and photography in general. Also if you use photoshop or lightroom there are tutorials in the program itself as well as online. When editing, play around with the settings. I've gotten some really interesting results by sliding those bars to one extreme or the other. No matter your experience level you never stop learning! So get out there, shoot what you like the way you like it and come back with a good story. Asking others what they think will only serve to confuse you as you'll get completely contradictory answers.

Thanks for the advice on the tutorials, that is going to help! I do have photoshop but I only have used it for things like web design so I will try and use it for some editing. I appreciate the advice

My best advice is to constantly look at photos. If you like one, take a moment to think about what aspects of the photo make it good. Take bits and pieces from here and there and use them as inspiration to build your own style.

Photography tutorials and rules can be helpful, but they can also get in the way and hinder creativity if you follow them too strictly. Some advice I've been told is to learn the rules, but also know when to break them.

I wouldn't worry too much about photoshop right away. First focus on how to use your camera and composition. If you shoot in RAW, you can always come back and edit your photos at some point down the line.

From a composition perspective, these are all pretty good. The first one has an interesting viewpoint, straight lines and good use of foreground. I'd probably like to see the cone less in the middle but that's nitpicking.

Keep it up!

The second one is chillin. Aesthetically pleasing.