A few of my favorites

[WannaBPhotographer]

Hi, last night I posted my first photo on this forum and got a couple of great responses! Thank you! Photography is my one true passion. I enjoy photographing my kids doing everything...from playing ball to digging in the sand. I would love to start a small photography business, instead of just giving my photos away (even though I do love giving my photos away too!), but I want to make sure I "got it right" before I venture into making money doing it. I'm looking for lots of feedback about what I'm doing wrong as well as what I'm doing right!
Thanks so much in advance!

First, my oldest playing in the sand...

From Some Favorites

Oldest at the "Splash Pad"...I love the colors in this one!

From Some Favorites

My cousin and her daughter

From Some Favorites

Cousin and daughter on the swing

From Some Favorites

Thanks so much for the input!!

[deudbus]

You take some great portraits. Nice work.

[WannaBPhotographer]

Thank you! I'm a kit lens loser too! lol

[MProc]

Ahhh me too! I'm blown away with it though.. At least it'll work for now. hah. I am contantly giving my photos away as well. It feels like no matter how many times people tell you how "good" you are or... insert vague compliment here___. You're still never going to think so. Aside the last two portraits being a bit dark they're very nice. The one of your cousin and the sun flare would also work really well as a sillouette. I really like how you're varied in your angles and compositions. Start getting that portfolio ready!

you are really good! i love them all, what i really like is how candid they are, they arnt just a bunch of people sitting around starting at a camera smileing, i really love that!

[gturner]

Those are nice shots, well done.

Can I add some advice (as a amateur in this sport)
Rather than just getting comments on your snaps, take a long look at the seriously impressive photos that some very talented people add to this site everyday. Look at their websites, flickr links etc

I have learnt a lot more from looking at highly skilled peoples work than just geting comments on my snaps.
Emmerse yourself in the technical stuff, aperture, exposure, shutter speed, LIGHT LIGHT LIGHT

You clearly have a very good eye for a portrait, but until you understand the how and the why of photos you will struggle to move forward to a serious amateur or semi pro.

Excuse me if I am jumping ahead, but it is the best response I can think of.

Would be interested to hear from others on this idea

[WannaBPhotographer]

Thanks gturner....I completely agree with what you said. I feel like I have an eye for things, and you're right, I have to better understand the technical side of the camera!