New Kid on the Block , comment on photos pls

[pixelperfect]

Hi, my name is Patrice and I am new to photography and this forum. This place has so much awesome information. Here are some of my photos, pleeeeeaaaase tell me what you think.
thanks

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af319/pixelperfect_2009/qp.jpg

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af319/pixelperfect_2009/photo018.jpg


http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af319/pixelperfect_2009/photo007.jpg


http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/af319/pixelperfect_2009/IMG_6782038.jpg

[DerekSimon]

#1 - Watch for cutting off heads of subjects along with hands and legs.

#2 - Not much to catch my eye... Try approaching the shot with a different angle maybe.

#3 - Too tight of a crop... either focus the crop directly on the subject without background distractions, or capture it all with the crop.

#4 - I like the idea but the goose is too centered in the shot. Also the shadows really don't help much either.

I think your shots do have potential with a little more practice and reading. Don't get discouraged because we all have shots that we love but others will tear apart. It is good to get input from others and try to improve, but unless you're planning to go professional, learn styles and shoot want you desire to capture.

[joedlh]

What Derek said plus.

#1. Watch your point of view. It's not always uppermost in lessons on composition, but in the user's eye, the part of the image that appears in direct line of site draws the first glance. In this case, it's your subject's outie.

#2. My belief is that if one is going to take a picture of a candle, it might as well be burning. The whites are a bit blown out. You'd have to adjust exposure with a smaller aperture or faster shutter speed to mitigate this.

#3. Are those artificial flowers? I'm seeing a moire pattern on my monitor.

#4. I'm not 100% sure, but I think this qualifies you for membership in some kind of secret organization on this forum. It's the obligatory "duck" shot. In this case, it's a Canada Goose, but I think this counts. From a composition point of view, critters are more attention grabbing if they are facing the camera. Although, it does look like this fellow was keeping an eye on you and trying to determine if the situation demanded a quick takeoff.