Hi everyone, thanks for being drawn to my catchy headline. Since these photos are under the size limit, I've linked them (not sure if this is legal on this website) here:

I look at these and like em, but me being a first timer in 'people' photography I know I may not be seeing things that need improvement, that's where you, the wonderful talented photographer comes in!

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=389845825&size=o

AND

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=389857930&size=o

All comments appreciated! Taken in Austin, TX at a beautiful overlook.

Pic1
Pic2

Btw, nice pics. Good colors. Anyways, I'm not much of a comment giver in this case.

Pic1 ... this image has the best qualities in my humble opinion .. there is still color in the sky .. the tree provides some interesting framing .. the bridge has taken a back seat in the composition .... the pose bothers me a bit, although it looks like she's sharing a joke with you, the positioning is awkward ... .... I won't mention the building

Pic2 ... there is FAR TOO MUCH TEXAS in this shot .. :o) ... light and shadowing on your subject is good though .. aloof, candid pose is good, if you like that sort of thing for a portrait

I feel that both images, due to their size, suffer from sharpness issues on the background elements ... if you are going to make a scenic part of the shot you should expect your viewers to look at it ... eventually

I subtracted ten points for the piercing ... a tattoo on her ankle is much more my speed

I agree that the first is the best, although both look quite professional. It feels more intimate due to the tree forming a backdrop and the lighting seems more interesting. For a "first timer" you did a great job n both.

Jason, I play around on a site called photosig which has a lot of people shots. Any shot with an even remotely attractive girl will get attention. You might try posting them there, careful though - they can be brutal there. Anyway -

photo1) I really like the sky and tree. The glare coming off of the bridge really draws attention away from your subject. I really don't care for her pose though. It's like your a cute fuzzy rodent and she's trying to get close to you or something.

photo2) What's your subject? The bridge or the girl? And where is she looking? Good job on trying to shoot in the evening but the lighting in the photo is such that the bridge actually appears to be the subject.

Thanks for the great comments and helpful advice!