C&C Welcome, Trying to improve

I am a college student who loves photography. I dont consider myself that good or anything, but I am really eager to become better than I am now. Any tips and advice is greatly appreciated. I have not used photoshop on theses pictures yet. I shot them on vacation using a Canon 30D, 28-135 lens. Thanks for taking your time to help me!

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

#2 is great!

Yeah, I think the second one is fantastic. I like the composition.

I think the first one would be a little better if the bird wasn't there. I can't tell exactly what the main focus of the shot is.

I think you are off to a good start. The 28-135 is an excellent beginner lens. It was one of my first on a digital body, and I still have it.

Nice shots. I think i prefer the moody first one.

jackirons wrote in post #7727317
Yeah, I think the second one is fantastic. I like the composition.

I think the first one would be a little better if the bird wasn't there. I can't tell
exactly what the main focus of the shot is.

Yah I get what your saying about that shot, but for some reason I just really like it.

Thanks for your comments so far, any other tips on what I can work on to improve, and what lens would you suggest for me to get next? I also have the 50mm Canon and an older Tamron 28-200 from my dad.

thanks

Man, I love the second shot...

I like both of them. Great pictures!

Love both pics, especially the first!

Thanks for the positive feedback! Anyone got any negative feedback on what I should improve on in the future? Thanks.