I took photos at a butterfly island. Please critique my work!

[shutterbug28]

Hi, I am new to photography, though I had my first camera 10 years ago. I am still using it. I haven't gotten around editing/ enhancing my photos but I would like to get some feedback on my work and how to get better.

These are shots I took today at a butterfly sanctuary:

More photos at my blog in my signature below. Please note I do NOT monetize the blog, so feel free to click.

 

[Peeb68]

I like 2 and 3 the best. No. 1 and 4 have subjects back side facing the camera.

 

[shutterbug28]

I like 2 and 3 the best. No. 1 and 4 have subjects back side facing the camera.

Thank you.

 

[terri31]

Love the butterflies!

A moderator for this C&C Forum is likely to come by and ask you for some specifics. What do you like about your images, and where are you asking for advice for improvements?

Please look over the guidelines for posting in this particular Forum.

 

[shutterbug28]

Love the butterflies!

A moderator for this C&C Forum is likely to come by and ask you for some specifics. What do you like about your images, and where are you asking for advice for improvements?

Please look over the guidelines for posting in this particular Forum.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll go over them now.

I guess I just want to know how to take better photos. I have no idea what makes a good photo, besides maybe the rule of thirds, and right now I am just judging by the eye. I am also not very involved in the technical aspects of photography yet - like I have limited knowledge on ISO, aperture, white balance, lighting, angles. I don't really know what those terms mean or how it affects my photography. I am taking one step at a time, though this process is taking me longer than usual.

I like the subject, and I also like how natural the colors are. I like smooth colors and not overly processed or edited ones (I have not gotten around to editing/ enhancing my own photos). Without overreaching, what I am trying to achieve as an amateur photographer is to evoke a feeling. For these butterflies, perhaps a sense of awe. For the photos below, maybe stillness or quietness of life. Though I feel this set is a bit better than my older shots below which feel and look a bit dull in sharpness or color. Must be because of a change in camera settings as I watched a tutorial on ISO and white balance.

I guess I am looking for general advice to make my photos pop more and tips to make good composition to take more visually interesting, enjoyable photos.