New to Photography...opinions please

I recently got a new camera 30D and f/4 24-105 lens...(I know it's decent stuff for a beginner, but I'd rather invest a little now and have good stuff for later) I'm an aspiring amatuer photographer. I like taking pictures and want to get better, but I've got a full time job which I love. However, I've got time to make this a serious hobby and maybe make some extra loot.

I've been taking pictures for my old High School Football team and some other stuff and managed to sell a few shots...($1 each).

Here is a link to a site I've set up...

www.jargapix.com

Please check it out and let me know what you think. I'm learning on the fly and need as much feedback as possible. It's a lot of stuff, but any feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

JA

I would reccomend getting a book on basic photography. Your images have good exposure but they are still looking like snapshots. Learn more about composing an image, that may help.
The images of Zachary are very cute though!! Especially the b&w!

Find a book on composition. As 98photo says, your photo is good but shapshot-ish. Compositionally one example is it would have been improved if the infant was located not in the exact center, but more in the upper left of the frame, and the head of the proud father also included more of that curious helmet.

Amphoto books had one named 'Images' that would be a good start. Not sure if it is still in print.

"Boulevard East Twins" Twins1, need to close in. Twins2, close in a bit and put faces in the upper 1/3 of the photo. Karen, should be a vertical. '98photo' has the best suggestion.

All good advice.
Do you have a speedlite?
The 430EX goes great with your gear. Keep shooting!

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I've got the Short Course on 30D camera and DSLR and Photoshop CS2 for Dummies as well as Understanding Exposure. I've gotten some good insights and been practicing as you've seen.

I'm gonna pick up those books and see what I can find on the net.

I had the 430 and returned it for the 580 because it was only a few more $$. I might get good enough to know how to use it! he he


JA

Spend hours looking at other's work under the "Photo Sharing" threads, and go to links of as many photogs as you can.

Study their work, and connect with the comments made by others.

For example, someone will post a very hum-drum compositional shot - there will be very few replies, however a good shot will elicit a lot of positive response.

The advice often given to aspiring artists is to "study the masters".

The 30d is a great camera. Try picking up a prime lens like the 50mm 1.4 and snap away. Use your 'foot zoom' to help you compose without the zoom. I still do this often with my primes. Recently I went out for the autumn colors with just a 35L and the 5d.... it was awesome. Good luck and remember to have fun.

Jargaguy, congrats on the camera, and good luck with the photos. Others have given you some great advice. From my own experience, I found nothing better that to look at the work of others and ask myself 'What makes that such a good shot?'. There are some hugely talented people on this site - feel free to use their abilities!
Kenny

I've had a peek at your site and for the most part I think you have some really nice photos. Along with the other suggestions, I noticed you rarely turn your camera out of landscape. I saw many of your photos that would have had a better feel to them had they been captured in portrait orientation. I think this would have eliminated some of the dead space in many of them.

One of the best pieces of advice I received from someone was to look for photos or pictures that catch my eye and I really like. Then take the time to see them in totality because there usually is a common theme to them and analyze what made them appealing to me.

Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing!

Check out the how to or technique articles in the online magazines...pop photo and imaging and shutterbug are both very good...read a lot shoot a lot...learn a lot!