newbie welcoming any and all criticism!

Hi guys, newbie here. I'm no pro, just having fun, but I really want to get better. I know literally nothing about any camera things, self-taught, use a Rebel XI and a couple different lenses; use Lightroom for editing. ANY constructive thoughts appreciated!!!!!!

Welcome to POTN.

Those look pretty good for a beginner. Stick around you can learn anything you want to know about photography here.

I really like them both, it's just a shame that you focused on the guy's nose in the second shot, rather than the girl's eyes.

Good ideas. You're on the right track.

Welcome!

And the girl's eyes are burning. Not a good thing. We all do it time after time.

What's burning?

1 works, but the comp is a little awkward.

For 2 there's more awkward comp/cropping. The man is not involved and angle doesn't work for me. The woman has *gorgeous* eyes, but like others mentioned they aren't in focus.

Keep shooting!

Jeff

In addition to the above comments, losing parts of his hand is just a shame. In that case, moving even the tiniest bit wider would have allowed his entire hand to be in the photo. The crop on the left side of the photo likely would have been better as well a little wider.
But definitely keep shooting and you will continue to get better. But you are already starting from a pretty good place with these being your early images.