New to the forum, and photography. Seeking some C&C to help improve my shots

[calamari]

Hello all.

So, about a year ago I picked up a Nikon D60 for use in a photography class I was taking in school. I had hoped that the class would teach me some basic techniques and technical stuff for shooting. While the class did provide info on some of the basics (aperture, shutter speed, temperature, exposure, etc.), the bulk of the class centered around post-processing and manipulation in Photoshop. So, I don't feel like I got exactly what I what I wanted from the class.

Basically, I like taking photos, especially when I travel. I'd like to take better photos, and I need some C&C to make that happen. So, I'm here to learn

Here is a small selection of shots I took in Europe last month (I've got some 600+ shots, and haven't taken the time to work through them all yet), and some shots of my pets that I took a few days ago. Just looking for some direction/critique/help in improving.

Thanks!

 

[Mully]

Nice start ....you need to crop tighter in camera eg

 

[Desi]

Not bad for a cephalopod.

Work on composition. Where you put your subject in a frame and your point of view of your subject matters just as much as the technical stuff.

for C&C, include just a few images and number them.

Welcome to the forum

 

[jowensphoto]

Welcome! Work on the composition like the others said and you'll have some great photographs!

for some reason, I really dig the second. Kind of creepy!

 

[calamari]

Thanks so much for the replies so far. Would you mind elaborating a bit on the composition issues? I know Mully suggested cropping in tighter around the subject, but what other things could I improve?

Thanks again!

 

[Robin_Usagani]

shoot more from different elevation. Dont shoot at standing/sitting position all the time. Lay low on the ground or climb something.

 

[Frequency]

The road scape (#1) is an excellent composition; The black cat image is also fine; please avoid keeping the main object at the center of the frame (last image of the flower); Images are not well exposed in most (low light), which you can easily brighten up even in the novice friendly Picasa editor.
By the way, Hearty Welcome