General critique required

[vaguelyobscured]

I've been taking photos on a dslr for about a year and I am at the point where I feel like I should be improving but am finding it difficult to pin point exactly what my photos are lacking i.e. technical, composition etc. I would really appreciate some general feedback as to what I could improve. All comments welcome as I am eager to learn and improve.

All shots taken on the 40D and with the 50mm 1.8. 430ii speedlite used on #1. All shots PP'd in LR.

Thanks for looking.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4335807718_18f8e8fdde_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4335826676_aba29ff97e_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4335088707_4d7f64b327_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/4346843190_f4c4236791_b.jpg

[lundgrenj]

Love #3, good processing over all, the 2nd one is blown out a bit much for me.

[Flo]

Just a tip, if you leave a space in between your photos they tend to stand alone more;)

[vaguelyobscured]

Thanks for your comments.

@Flo, now edited for spacing :)

@lundgrenj, thanks for the comment on #3, I find it difficult as a parent, to critique photos of my son in an objective way, but I really liked the afternoon light in this one. Also, yes, #2 is a little glare-y, I think I tend to get a bit carried away with sun flares.

[Flo]

First is sweet,but fairly contrasty, especially for a wee one.

I like flares too, lol.but this one is hard on the eyeballs;)

I love the concept of three, but there are so many details lost in the blacks etc.His body gets swallowed up in the swing?

I think you have a good eye, just maybe keep things a little lighter , there are loads of opportunities for using contrast that compliments the subject, I tend to go a little heavy as well.:o

[vaguelyobscured]

Thanks for the comment. I think you're right, I am a bit heavy handed with the contrast. Sometimes it is difficult to notice until a third party points it out. And yes, I shall reign back the flare ;) I appreciate you telling me what you think.

[Flo]

Its always a learning curve, thats what makes it addicting.

Heres a very quick edit, but you can see where sometimes light does make a difference in the feel of a photo?

http://macymae.smugmug.com/Animals/Animals/43350887074d7f64b327b/790085228_5FdXw-L.jpg
<Saturation could be toned down for sure in this one...