a snapshot

[cracra]

I took this a year ago as a snapshot. I've had my camera for almost 2 years now, but I still feel like a beginner and not know much about photography. so I'd appreciate all comments/advice =)

[Charles Hess]

Well, it's a snapshot of 4 people..posed? Good point: I like how each is facing a slightly different direction. Issues: bright sun has caused some loss of detail in the white shirts, and the one subject is squinting. To generate more interest here, I think you needed to get in closer, possibly to show us the facial expressions. Nice effort.

[Pose]

I agree about the light, it creates some pretty harsh shadows & seems to over-expose the white shirts.
I would do a little cropping, taking out some of that brown wall to the left next to the little girl. I like the image, I feel with a little more detail/emphasis on the people, it could tell a pretty neat story of how each person differs.

[darkrainfall]

This is a nice snapshot, the sun is a bit bright and your lighter colors are very blown out, a good time to shoot is before ten or after 2-3pm... the sun isn't quite as harsh then. Also, make sure your metering is correct (if you have that option of course). I think you could have shot this at a higher f-stop, allowing less light into your lens, and still have details in the shadowy parts. You shot this a year ago? What have you done recently?
A photographer friend once told me that you are only as good as your last shot. It's not literal, of course, but it just means that your most recent work is usually indicative of your skill level.
I like that you are taking pics of people, and I hope to see some of your more recent work. *smile*