Couple of Beginner Shots

I just got my first DSLR a few weeks ago and havent really taken too many that I consider keepers. Actually, I havent taken any I am fond of really. I find this 28-135 to be a really soft, not pleasant lens. And I shot in B&W to try and hide some of the general not niceness of the lens. Any tips or hints and criticisms are greatly appreciated. I wish I just had some more interesting material.

Local parks little lake and gazebo

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Bad time of day. Tripod is crooked in shot #2. Use rule of thirds for the gazebo pic.

That is all