I do that too ... find a subject I enjoy & take as many pics as I can. I'm enjoying the free movement of the flag. The colors on the flag (to me anyways) appear a bit washed out ... would like to see them more bolder. Without knowing what settings you were using on your camera ... I would suggest some post - editing by either lowering the gamma slightly or playing around with brightness / contrast. Otherwise it's a magnificent capture & keep on experimenting. Well done & thank you for sharing.

The photo doesn't make me stand up and salute. I liken it to the many pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge; unless there is a UFO hovering nearby they are all pretty much the same.

I'm not sure what to tell you here. I think it would have helped if you had stated your goals with lighting. It's very soft, the sky is not really blue, and I think the colors could be much bolder. But as I said, I don't know what your goal was. So if you learned what you wanted to learn, then this is a perfect shot :)

-Mike

I don't know what to say, I am not much for those "patriotic" things. But if that makes you happy, you can make shots of the things you like, free country. :)))

I didnt really have a "goal" just snapping pictures and thought I would share. :) I liked it.