Thank you everyone. It was just a bonus to place. I enjoyed the critiques. I learned from other peoples photo critiques as well as my own.

I'm looking forward to the socialization with other photographers while we shoot together. I think it will help me improve and hopefully make some new friends that share my love of photography.

I just joined this club and this was my first competition. I entered 6 pictures and 5 placed! It's not a huge club so there isn't a large number of competitors. Some categories may only have a few entries and others may have 20 or more. Either way, it's a confidence boost for me. :)

Feather Fling----2nd place Color Creative beginner
Glowing Edges----3rd place Color Creative beginner
Pink Flower-----2nd place Color General beginner
Orchid----3rd place Color General beginner
Over the Bridge and through the Park-----1st place Monochrome General beginner

Feather Fling

(Download)

Glowing Edges

(Download)

Pink Flower

(Download)

Orchid

(Download)

Over the Bridge and through the Park

(Download)

I think a beginners forum is a great idea. I do know a little about the "basics", but have taught myself, so I'm sure there are plenty of "basics" I don't even know about.

I use ProCam in Livonia. I like them, but I don't have anything to compare them to. I've yet to venture further to other stores, although there are a few within a 1/2 hour drive from me.

I'm always nervous about buying online and not being able to see and feel things in person. I'll stick with brick and mortar.

Only shots of Saturn and Mars that I've ever seen. Nice. Awesome moon shot. The detail is great and it's quite sharp. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you, Chuck. I too am bothered by that background. Unfortunately for many reasons it is what it is. I'm going to play around in PP to see what I can come up with in toning down the background and also bringing out some of the detail in her beautiful hair.

I need to train myself to look at the background as it effects my subject WHILE I'm shooting. It's much easier with subjects that are not moving on you lol.

Thank you for helping me out here.

Thank you for your input. Her shirt did have some cartoon character on it.
I was just shooting snaps for a friend at his Christmas party we attended. Nothing really in my control. I did feel, however, that posting one here might help me get an idea of what I need to keep in mind when shooting people. I rarely shoot people (even snapshots).
I know the reason I don't shoot people is because so much is out of my control. I would like to learn how to control the different situations, but knowing what to look for and what I want needs to come first. She is a beautiful young lady and I'm sure those that know her will like this shot. Most of them won't even know that it could be so much better.

Again, I thank you for your comments. I will keep them in mind while shooting.

I am not a people photographer, but I'm trying. I am not good with taking shots indoors either so I used auto and tried to focus mainly on composition and subject matter.

All your comments are welcome.

I like the up close shot with minimal background and color. I love this image.

You rarely produce a photo that doesn't leave me in total awe of your talent. I love the detail and the tones in this one.

Beautiful. I love the lighting in both, but there's something about that foggy, soft look in the first photo that just makes me want to keep looking.

Love those first two!

I like the edits you made (taking out the wispy clouds and correcting for the wide angle barreling). I get a dramatic feel from your photo. It's beautiful.

I think you did a wonderful job. I love the coloring! I also think that the wide angle view is perfect for this one. I can see it on canvas over a fireplace.

I love the angle of this shot. The color is very rich and beautiful. Congratulations on a beautiful photo.