first time:)

Hello.
I decided to share my photos and get a critique from other people who know more about photography than I do. About two years ago I got a digital camera and I've been using it but never really cared so much about pictures I was taking. I want to get better at it and maybe buy a more professional camera in the future. Any words, suggestions, whether good or bad, are welcomed :))

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4939/4478n.jpg

Hiya mate.

Nice picture. The boat is nicely placed, although it seems to be overshadowed by what's going on at the bridge. The detail is a little messy. This isn't a snobbish comment, but was it taken with a compact point and shoot camera?

For me, the central point of interest in the picture would be either the boat or the bridge, but not both. They seem to be competing with each other. Perhaps a little too much water at the bottom of the shot, I'd be looking to zoom in on the boat myself.

Nice colour, nicely exposed. You should be pleased with that. One of the oldest phrases used in photography is "Fill the frame"

That's my opinion, but I'm no expert. Just an amateur. Hope it's helpful.

Dave.

Thank you, Dave. I really appreciate all your comments.
Yeah, I took it with Canon PowerShot A610. It has some semi-manual options but it's hard to work using them.

it's a similar theme, taken from the other side of a bridge, another boat.

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/5751/4471.jpg

I'd appreciate all comments and suggestions.
Thanks:)

Welcome to the forums. Stick around and keep posting and you'll learn a lot as I have.
One of the best learning tools here is to critique others photos. You don't have to be and expert. Goodness knows, I'm not.

Dave is right about the first one. There is just too much going on and competing with each other for attention.
My eye does not travel naturally from one point to another but jerks from place to place.

The second is better because it is simpler and you have your subject lower in the frame but it still leads the eye to the spill way and island.
The other boat/barge is somewhat of a distraction.

welcome to pr. I like your original shot. very good compostion, u definitely have a good eye for this. In both shots u seem to follow the rules of photography very well.

I agree with the other comments. You do have a good eye for a shot. Good photographs are not the domain of photographers with "good" cameras. What you have is capable of great pictures. You only need to realise what you and your camera is capable of and exploit it. Spend time thinking about what would be a great image and go for it. In time you will come to realise that you are capable of better than your camera is giving you and then you can consider what you need to achieve your visualisations. I don't know what your financial situation, but don't be led into the scenario of buying a pro spec camera on the assumption that you will take pro spec photo's. It doesn't work that way. Grow into your hobby, upgrade when you realise that you have outgrown your kit.

Best wishes.

Dave

Thank you guys for all your comments:)
I know that buying a good pro camera won't make me a better photographer but with a good camera you can experiment more and have more options and possibilities of taking pictures.
Thanks once again:))