Can someone critic my photos?

This is my first project and it's suppose to be non-moving objects with lightings. I had to edit the brightness, contrast, and levels in photoshop. Please tell me what I can do to make it better. Trying to blend the wall, so I can erased the shadow line. Any positives and negatives suggestions appreciated! Thanks

I'm using a Nikon D70 with AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm lens.

I think the trouble is, is your lighting. It looks very dark and flat. Your focusing doesnt look too sharp either.

I think the third one is the best, as you can see textures.You need to think about composition more though, and get in really tight, as some of them have a lot of wasted space around them. Just show the shells and their reflections and cut everything else out.

Set this up outside or near a very bright window. Make sure your camera is on a tripod and that it cant be knocked or moved if stood on a wooden floor when you walk around. Get in nice and close and try again.

The shells have some lovely textures, and you need to bring them out, by using side lighting. Or try using reflectors (lust a piece of white paper will do).

As an experiment, you could set it all up at night with the lights on. When your happy with the composition, turn the lights out and open your shutter on a long exposure, using trial and error (2 secs to 30 secs), then using a small torch, paint the light over one side of the shells.
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As the previous respondant said, the first two are quite soft; the third is definitely the best. I can also see a flash shadow at the bottom of some of them which is slightly distracting, as is the reflected flash on the wall behind; were you using the on-board flash?

The good news is that I think these have a lot of potential; I would be tempted to B+W, primarily because they hve little colour of their own, probably high-key, with side lighting to bring out the surface relief.

just my 2p

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DeeJayBee

deejaybee.smugmug.com

Xyko, If you are enrolled in a formal class, you should be discussing these matters with your teacher. Coming to this forum or any other, and seeking advice from many sources will only serve to confuse you. I am an art teacher, and if you were in one of my classes, I would want you to follow my instructions, and mine alone, until you were more proficient and better able to profit from the input of other sources.

From what you have posted, it is obvious to me that you need advice on refining your technique as to lighting, composition and exposure. Do not be discouraged, all good things do not vcome easily.
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Judy