Very new to SLRs

[mjb919]

I'm just getting into all of this and to me they look cool but i know the opinions on here speak the truth. Let me have it!
http://i49.tinypic.com/fm1ik6.jpg

and then this was just messing around with my dog. I like how he is lit up but the background isnt as much. Suggestions?
http://i46.tinypic.com/eq302o.jpg

No PP yet either

[chomish]

Well to me the first looks out of focus, and the second looks like a quick snap shot.

Im no expert, but i would advise on taking more time with your shots, and theyll come out much nicer.

[MikePrattPhotography]

1. Agreed with Chomish. Dont just shoot. Take your time on a shot... set a shot up. If you want to take a flower picture, dont just take a flower picture.. take a flower picture in a way that hasnt been taken before.. Walk 360 degrees around your subject.. see which direction has less distractive background... Distracting backgrounds are the biggest problems for begining photographers.

2. For the dog shot, great shot! I love it... But it does just look like a snapshot. Put your dog in a place where the background isnt distractong.... And forbid yourself from using that on camera flash!

Welcome to the world of DSLR's... all I can say is keep it up! Great work!

[jacksonvillenp]

Welcome to the forum!

Shot one looks very much like my first stab at macro's. Beautiful colors on the rose- but as they have said, not very crisp. It takes practice and a steady hand. Even the slightest bit of wind can make your shot OOF. If you don't already have a tripod- invest in one, you will be glad you did.

Shot #2~ your dog is a great sport. My pets never stay still long enough to get the eyes in focus- some pp will get that "distracting background" out of the way.

Keep up the good work. This photography thing is as much of a science as it is an art...read all you can about your new camera and what it can do and you will be fine.