Give it to me straight!

This is my first time posting work for critque, so, let me know how it is.

These shots were done with either a Canon D30 or D60. And either a Canon 50mm f1.8, or a few other lenses that I can't remember.

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#1
The diagonal looks distracting. If you can reshoot this one I have some suggestions:

1) Try shooting the subject low and head-on.
2) Move the gourds to a different location, the gray brick background isn't conducive to what you're truing to accomplish

#2
Not much to say, as I'm not much of a fan of butterfly shots, unless it happens to be a really exotic butterfly. The colors look a bit cool, to me, though.

#3
This shot works, but is a bit underexposed, Might up the exposure a bit to see how that turns out.

#4
Very nice shot. I don't really have a whole lot to suggest, the flag may look better in total silhouette, But, its really hard to say

#5
Again, nice sunset. Was this taken on the same day as #4?

I'm not quite sure if the lens reflections look OK or not, The one reflections is rather bright, and I think that takes away from the image a bit.

#6
This is a nice shot, some non-car enthusiast types may not like it, but IMO you nailed the focus point and DOF on this (It gives emphasis to the 2.0 marker on the valve cover).

#7
I'm not quite sure how to comment on this one, It looks good compositionally, but I'm not sure how I would have executed it.

#8
Good picture, decent composition, but for this kind of shot to work, the rim has to be sparkling clean.

MRaiford wrote in post #2171671
#1
The diagonal looks distracting. If you can reshoot this one I have some suggestions:

1) Try shooting the subject low and head-on.
2) Move the gourds to a different location, the gray brick background isn't conducive to what you're truing to accomplish

Thanks for your suggestions!

What would you recommend as a backround? All white? Grassy?

Thanks! I've tried to retouch it in photoshop a bit, and came out with some good results. I'll post them when I get home...

Both of those images where taken on the same day, within 100ft of each other. Wildwood, New Jersey, Sunset Beach.

Thanks so much! That is probably one of my favorite shots and I was hoping to hear some good reviews on it!

Yes, most indeed, no arguement there. I was just in a hurry, playing around on a rainy day, and thought the picture would turn out neat, it did; also reminding me i need to clean my rims! haha

Chris R/T wrote in post #2171712
Thanks for your suggestions!
What would you recommend as a backround? All white? Grassy?

Something grassy... Think fall, if you have access to hay bales, get a few and stack them up, leaving a "shelf" to place the gourds.

Just my suggestion, and its probably been done dozens (hundreds) of times.

Look for other locations, and props, too. Be creative

Like the engine block and wheel rim the best, i'm a sucker for selective focus/stock type shots. Rest of the shots need livening up regarding lighting, a bit flat. May be the light here though. Sat on the side of the road ATM

Just a suggestion but you may have gotten more oout of critiques if you seperated these in differen't "theme's" Maybe like the last three could have went into a differen't post on it;s own and you could have gotten some tips or words from those who like those kind f shot.

For my input..in regards number one or three... I think a head on lower shot with or a lower side shot would work.

3 I think a little more included and focused house would have been interesting for that shot..you know having the fence lead up to it..but that is probably more a personal taste.

As for number two (the butterfly) those buggers are tough for me, to get any decent macros from them...they always run off when i get close...you can check the macro forum for some ideas

The butterfly has very distracting background circles in the bokeh.

Chris - you might settle in on a specific type of subject and work it til you are satisfied.

Using the shotgun approach makes it difficult to judge your efforts as you gain experience.

Heres a butterfly or two as reference:

www.pbase.com/jpfergus​on/butterflies_06