My only suggestion is in the crop. I would suggest a wider crop with the dog towards the lower left corner. Think of the rule of thirds and I think you would have a better composition. The background on a wider crop would also be a little less distracting as it would lend context to the shot (dog is bounded by a limiting fence). The wider crop would also enhance lead lines and draw the viewer's eye in a path that would generate more interest.

Don't see any huge issues with exposure or sharpness though - a good result for those critical items ! I understand that you are learning and its a good start. Before you shoot your next shot or crop it, try to make sure you don't bullseye the picture (placing the subject in the dead center of the photo) I think your original picture was a better composition with the dog coming into the picture. Think of your position as well - would a shot from closer to the ground give a better result ? Can you move to a place that would allow a less busy background ? Can you use something in the foreground to frame the picture and give it depth ? Try to tell a story that people can see simply by looking at the photo.

Most 'photographers' take time lining up their shot to be the most effective that it can be rather than just trying to get a clear image of the subject. These are all things that get a LOT easier with practice but its what will make your photo's stand out from the snap shots taken by an average person with a camera phone. The downside is, once comfortable with the process and you have developed an eye for composition, your spouse will probably start saying ' can't you just take a picture ???' . Trust me - they will get used to it !

Nice first efforts ! Keep shooting and showing and don't let the rudeness of some here get to you.

My only suggestion is in the crop. I would suggest a wider crop with the dog towards the lower left corner. Think of the rule of thirds and I think you would have a better composition. The background on a wider crop would also be a little less distracting as it would lend context to the shot (dog is bounded by a limiting fence). The wider crop would also enhance lead lines and draw the viewer's eye in a path that would generate more interest.

Don't see any huge issues with exposure or sharpness though - a good result for those critical items ! I understand that you are learning and its a good start. Before you shoot your next shot or crop it, try to make sure you don't bullseye the picture (placing the subject in the dead center of the photo) I think your original picture was a better composition with the dog coming into the picture. Think of your position as well - would a shot from closer to the ground give a better result ? Can you move to a place that would allow a less busy background ? Can you use something in the foreground to frame the picture and give it depth ? Try to tell a story that people can see simply by looking at the photo.

Most 'photographers' take time lining up their shot to be the most effective that it can be rather than just trying to get a clear image of the subject. These are all things that get a LOT easier with practice but its what will make your photo's stand out from the snap shots taken by an average person with a camera phone. The downside is, once comfortable with the process and you have developed an eye for composition, your spouse will probably start saying ' can't you just take a picture ???' . Trust me - they will get used to it !

Nice first efforts ! Keep shooting and showing and don't let the rudeness of some here get to you.