Hiking in the woods

Hello all,
I took these today while out on a hike. The trail borders the lake, and offers some fantastic views. I am new to photography, and I shot what I thought might be good shots. I tried to capture the shots as best I know how to at this point! I played with some settings on the camera. Tips and advice is welcome. Thanks.

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

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

The second shot could have been very nice with more depth of field so more of the photo is in focus. If you can get back there try f8, f11, or F16. What camera are you using?

I have the XTI. I did take quite a few shots using different settings. I dont think I used the specs you suggested. I will post some of the others.

What do you think of these?

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

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

The XTI is a fine camera that gives you lots of control of your final output. It's just a matter of learning what you can do with the differant shooting modes available. I think the last shot you posted is the best, but again the foreground could be more in focus. I would probably have shot this in AV mode. In AV mode you set the F stop for the depth of field you want and the camera sets the correct shutter speed for the light available. Here is a link to a thread that will give some good info on DSLR photography. Good luck and have fun with your new camera.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=414088

Thanks for the tips I'm gonna check out that thread and get back out there!

#1 looks a little overexposed and washed-out.

#2 needs an element of interest.

good, just keep shooting and adjusting

location of shots?

Thanks I hope to get out this week. I live in Vermont. The weather is starting to break so I should be able to get out more.

Keep shooting and posting

Thanks for all your tips and advice. I went out again yesterday to another location. I thought I might post some of those pics in this thread.

Here they are. Let me know if in your opinion they are getting better!

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

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

Definitely getting better. Nice shots. However, for #2, place the acorn according to the rule of thirds. Imagine tic tack toe lines in your view finder where all the lines are equidistance from each other and the border. Place the subject of interest (in this case, the acorn) in one of the intersections.

Keep shooting!

Thanks. I had heard of the rule of thirds before. I totally blanked on that when I took this shot. Thanks for the tips though.

can i have the original raw or jpeg. Id love to "HDR'ize" the first photo And yes the first photo does look washed out.