Beginner Seeking General Tips and Advice

[Mia Bettolo]

# Focal Length: 39 mm
# Exposure Bias: 0 EV
# Aperture: f/5.0
# Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)

Ok... as the title says... I am just getting started here in the world of photography. I have always loved photography but only now am I starting to get serious about it. I have finally progressed beyond point and shoot compacts to my first ever DSLR. My main problem is that I have never actually studied photography. Not one single sorry little class so what I know I have either picked up off the internet or by talking to friends who share my passion for photography. So what I am asking for is a general critique of my work to learn what I am doing wrong and where I could improve. Below are links to my flikr page for more of my shots. Please... The more comments I receive the more I learn. Let the constructive criticism begin! Thanks
Mia Bettolo

SpringTime Photowalk April 2010 - a set on Flickr
Butterfly Pasta and Light - a set on Flickr

[Saralonde]

Hi Mia, welcome to dPS!

I added the exif info to your post. It's a helpful addition we ask for when you post in any of the Critique sections.

[Mia Bettolo]

Thanks sorry... but you will find this thing posted a few too many times... I didn't see the bit about it having to be approved and when it didnt show up I posted it again... so I apologize in advance for any problems my unintentional multiple posting may have caused... oh and sorry about the missing info too... I think that that first time I posted it I included it but then... beh... Thanks again
Mia Bettolo

[Saralonde]

No problem . We like to help newbies around here. I'll clean up the double posts.

[LoveDSLR]

You can try framing it differently or cropping out anything that doesn't add to the photo. Sample for illustration purposes.

[freybear3]

welcome! try cropping it at various sizes and angles and see what you get, i think a good cropping of this photo, would bring it more to life

[LeeR]

This image needs a small levels adjustment, that's all. Do not crop it, do not apply the Rule of Thirds, do not pass Go and do not collect $200. Some people need the Rule of Thirds and similar devices to help inform their intuition, others just do it naturally. I suspect you are in the later group so using a device like the Rule of Thirds would be a step backwards. Trust your instincts...use the force, young Luke.

[Mr.Intensity]

I like the inclusion of the extended chain(upper left,) It shows the strength and purpose of it, for me. as a matter of fact: I might try another perspective- to see more of it- like shooting into the fence...you might even get a little bokeh on it, but not to worry, it crops out
Very good job.