still new...

[SLDowning]

hi all,
I'm still new to digital photography but I'm enjoying it so much. A friend of mine asked that I take some photos of her children last weekend, and I'd never done anything like this before. Here is one of my shots, I know I have a long way to go just wanted to share and get some critique.

[Fernando]

Maybe it's just because the photos are reduced in quality, but both of those shots look very much out of focus. With portrait photography (children or adults, doesnt matter) you really want the person's EYES in focus. In the first shot it looks like the tree is in focus, and the second looks like the wall is in focus. The people are out of focus, and well since they are the subject.. it just does not work.
It also looks like you were shooting outside in mid day light. This is possibly the worst time of day to be shooting people outside. It casts harsh shadows on their faces. Find some shady area and the light will be better.
Keep practicing and have fun! That's what it's all about!

[windrider86]

P Lease be sure to read the guidelines/rules for the critique section and include as much of the information that is asked for. If you are unable, please be sure to let us know.
The more info we know about your photo (ie: camera settings) the better we can help you!!