I have the 950 also and have taken some great photos. I would suggest that you take more photos and try several different setting and learn the manual setting of the camera to overcome different lighting conditions. Some photos are right on, such as the train (good light & focus).
Flash Photos: The Drummer photos certainly need more flash. Try some test shots at different distances and you will find the limits of the internal flash. I only use the internal flash up to about 20ft, then I connect the external slave flash. Otherwise, no light, no shot.
Daylight Photos: Some photos look out of focus, watch for the focus lock, green light, after pressing half way. You have what appears to be bright daylight conditions that can be corrected by using the manual controls of "image adjustment" Darken & Contrast. In your case changing the metering from Matrix to Spot might correct the photo. Sometimes just lowering your shot (less sky and more subject) to help when using Automatic exposure. You will find that the Automatic Setting aren't always the best and the 950 has excellent manual controls.
Software: Most users will run the photo through "Auto Levels" prior to posting. I use Photoshop Elements.
The key is practice, practice. I've been taking photos as a hobby for 30 years and still learn something new with every camera, lens, or lighting condition. You also need to know when to use a PL Filter (see below how much difference that makes) This may have helped most of your photos. I have a lot of bright daytime conditions here in South Florida.
No PL Filter:
With PL Filter:
I've taken a few pictures with my 950 since I bought it, but they
all look washed out. There isn't the sharpness or clarity that I
see elsewhere in other people's galleries. I know this is an
impossible (and probably rhetorical) question, but what am I doing
wrong????
http://www.stodge.net/gallery/albums.php
Thanks
Mike
--
http://www.stodge.net - my corner of the web
