My attempts

OK i'm definitely still a beginner. So, critique what I have so far please! is it at least a good effort? Point out where I need improvement in the focusing of the image. I used 50mm f/1.8 lens on the first two dog pictures and the 55-250mm on the rest, just messing with it.

Any advice or suggestions also welcomed.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/75523744@N02/8​273080075/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/75523744@N02/8​273080867/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/75523744@N02/8​282214159/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/75523744@N02/8​274166230/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/75523744@N02/8​274163334/

IMAGE IS A REDIRECT OR MISSING! HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

IMAGE IS A REDIRECT OR MISSING! HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/75523744@N02/8​274189200/

Just keep going, you've already shown you understand aperture and proper exposure...

The best advice I can give you in becoming better:

Pick a few photo's that you really like (don't overdo it, stay realistic)

Try to recreate them and evaluate your result

Good luck!

But if I try to recreate them I will get the same results because I would be aiming for the same? I mean I took several of each and these are the best ones I was able to get from each. I was hoping to get some specific "critique" in this section like what I could have done differtly in each? Or what you personally don't like..
But thanks, I'm still practicing especially trying to get good focus on moving animals.

Katalyst may be referring to recreating other peoples images that you really like.

You are off to a good start. I would like to see a little more space around the subject. It is OK to fudge on rule of thirds a bit to when cropping to balance empty space or to save the cute little tuft of fur on top of the head. It isn't always an option but when you do have the option play with some different crops and see what you think.

Good luck.

Ohh ok that makes sense, sorry I misinterpreted that. I've been looking a photos in this forum a lot and saved a couple that I'm going to try a shot at to see if I can get something similar .

Just to make sure I got this one this time, are you suggesting I try to steer away from the rule of thirds?

The rule of thirds is a good guideline and it can be powerful. Think rule of thirds next time you watch TV. It is everywhere. If it weren't powerful no one would use it. But when using the rule of thirds would dictate that body parts are chopped off or the subject seems crowded it is time to fudge a little. Giving yourself a little cropping space when shooting a photo will give you more options when cropping.

Oh ok, got what you mean! Thanks

Hi there,
Actually... i had to come back to edit. When i looked at the larger photo in flickr, I realized what I thought was a spider was a dew drop or raindrop. LOL.

I thought it was a spider b/c I see the hint of a thread of a web at the top of the flower that distracted me!!

Anyhow, if the thread isn't intended, maybe clone it out? Otherwise, people like me might start to see / look for things that aren't there (like a spider) and may think you missed a good shot.

Love rose!

Fire0725 wrote in post #15376943
Hi there,
Actually... i had to come back to edit. When i looked at the larger photo in flickr, I realized what I thought was a spider was a dew drop or raindrop. LOL.

I thought it was a spider b/c I see the hint of a thread of a web at the top of the flower that distracted me!!

Anyhow, if the thread isn't intended, maybe clone it out? Otherwise, people like me might start to see / look for things that aren't there (like a spider) and may think you missed a good shot.

Love rose!

Wow I didn't even notice that, thanks for catching on it I edited my post and changed the picture where I cloned it out. It was probably from the window that was between the camera and the flower, wouldn't stop raining so that was the only way to shoot it

I agree about giving the subjects more space, the framing is super tight.also, try and get the eyes and nose in the dogs photos, hard but worth it Dogs work for yummy treats