Testing out my new camera

[kawoold]

Hi, I got a Canon Rebel XT for Christmas, and just got around to putting some of the pictures I took on my computer. I wanted to get a little feedback on these two pictures.

[Frog]

Hi, kawood, and welcome.
Since you want opinions on your shot, it maybe should be in photo critique forum but not a biggy, just might get more response.
I like the pose in the first. Eyes, smile, unruly hair all give the subject a happy look.
I don't think the strong light/shadow thing is quite working but it is difficult when the light is that strong.
I like the second one better and even though the light is harsh it seems to work somehow in this shot.

[spiraleyes]

Welcome!

The pictures have good composition, as Frog mentioned, the light and shadows are a bit strong.

Also, there seems to be a lot of noise in the pictures. You should probably turn the ISO down to less than 400.