Two Photos, beginner, looking for feedback

[badaml]

First photo is sunset in texas, 2nd pic is my daughter (3 1/2). Just starting out, lots to learn ( I didn't realize how much photography involves!) I am definitely beginning to be able to see photos in a different light, now I just have to be able to start being able to utilize the knowledge. I know the background is less than ideal in the shot of my daughter.

[lexart]

first image is nice but it would have been better if you have gone there earlier when the sun is still visible along the horizon.
second image, background isn't that important but a little more depth of field would blur it. If you're really into photography, try http://www.onelightworkshop.com. Zack Arias does a great job with portraits using off camera flash. At least you'll get an idea how light works.

[jacuff]

1st photo: What is your subject? Is it the clouds? Are you trying to show leading lines? Is it the horizon? Without a clearly defined subject, your photo will fail. This doesn't follow compositional rules such as the rule of thirds and it isn't purposefully breaking those same compositional rules. This seems to be a case of trying to "get it all in", but without a clearly defined subject.

2nd photo: Ok, the subject is a little more defined in this one. The previous poster said you needed more depth of field to blur the background. That's incorrect, you need less to blur the background, but the only way you could have gotten less depth of field with the lens you used would have been to move closer since you were already at 55mm and f/5.6. (But you had no control over that in the Portrait Auto Exposure mode.) I'll assume for the time being that you aren't quite ready to buy lighting equipment and will be sticking with on camera flash. To improve this photo, I'd suggest you turn you camera into the vertical orientation (portrait) and do a really tight shot of your daughters head.

[Stirfried]

First of all Badaml, welcome to POTN, and by now you may have noticed you need to be a little thick-skinned to post in the Critique section :-)

On the first one, jacuff is asking the right questions, the one we need to ask ourselves. Sunsets also are pretty tricky, because the human eye's dynamic range is much larger than the cameras, and its very hard to catch the feeling of seeing a sunset in a picture.

On the second, I agree to turn the camera 90 degrees to better frame the shot, although don't get too closer- a tight shot at 55mm will start to distort the face, as well as that the on-camera flash will give her more of a deer-in-the-headlights look.
On the plus side, it looks like you have a great model! Work a little on the composition and as the others have said think about alternatives to the built-in flash, and you'll have some winners (I'm assuming you're using the built-in flash, if you have a flash unit then read up about bouncing it).

What I like about both shots is what you're *trying* to do...so keep trying! (and learning/reading/shooting/getting annoyed/lusting after glass/etcetc)

[badaml]

Lol, I appreciate all the comments! First, let me say that these pics were taken within the first few weeks of my getting the camera. After reading and studying others photos, techniques, rules, etc., I have definitely learned a lot. I really liked these shots, but as I have learned quite a bit, I began to see the problems with the pics. Not bad for snapshots, but far from a photo lol.

So the comments left by others were in line with the problems that I was seeing, so it is good to know that I am learning and developing an eye. Now I just need to be able to translate the things I have learned to the lens!

[imagine]

I don't like the pose, expression or composition of the portrait. It is also too soft. The sunset is too dark and lacks a subject.

[chopper5654]

i would add that you clipped the top of the head in the portrait. and, if possible, avoid dead center. those are two tell-tale signs of snapshots.

keep posting. welcome. and, overall, they arent bad.

[jetcode]

welcome ... enjoy yourself photography is an addicting sport ...

For the 1st image a key item to consider is the subject. What graphic element in this image is the subject and how am I the viewer to know that?

For the second image direct flash produces a flattening of dimension in the face, she's adorable and that completely makes up for it but many photographers will place their flash 12" to the right or left to produce a nice wash of light across the face generating more dimension, more portrait like lighting. Another technique is to bounce off the ceiling or use other means to soften the flash.