Complete noob!!

[herf]

I got a point and shoot Canon PowerShot SD780 IS for Christmas and have really gotten into taking pictures as of late.

Let me know what you guys think!!
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll188/joshwilson18/Me%20and%20Brad%20Ride%204-14-10/IMG_0315.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll188/joshwilson18/Me%20and%20Brad%20Ride%204-14-10/IMG_0323.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll188/joshwilson18/Me%20and%20Brad%20Ride%204-14-10/IMG_0330.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll188/joshwilson18/Flowers/IMG_0252.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll188/joshwilson18/Flowers/IMG_0240.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll188/joshwilson18/Flowers/IMG_0237.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll188/joshwilson18/Flowers/IMG_0235.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll188/joshwilson18/Flowers/IMG_0198.jpg

[pathfinder]

Welcome to dgrin, Herf.

Your SD780 seems to do a fine job.

[JohnBiggs]

Herf,

Welcome to Dgrin. Just as a pointer, keep in mind what's in the background and any reflections. Shooting through glass is also a challenge but sometimes there is no choice.

[stephenoachs]

I think those apple fritters look really TASTY!

Seriously though, my best advise is to learn how to use composition to tell your story. Instead of just a photo of a flower...use composition to give it context, location, mood. Learn about the "rule of thirds" as it's a good guide. Granted, that's such a poor name for it...it's not a rule at all so don't let the word "rule" limit your creativity.

I wrote an article on composition recently as it's really one of the hardest things for a new photographer to understand. You know it's good when you see it but finding can be tough...even for veteran photographers. I spent most days in search of good compositions.

http://www.apertureacademy.com/how-to-composition.php

I hope this is helpful.

[ABCL]

Good shots and welcome :)

May I suggest reading up on the rule of thirds (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds). It's the basis of all composition but do try to experiment around it and throw some artistic views at it. It doesn't come quickly and like everything, only after practising. Just keep going out taking shots and try to see beyond the image and take a different view.

[herf]

I have never heard of the rule of thirds! Brilliant! My camera
actually has an option to put these lines on the screen. I had
no idea what they were for

[JohnBiggs]

I have never heard of the rule of thirds! Brilliant! My camera
actually has an option to put these lines on the screen. I had
no idea what they were for

Yeah. It's nice to have those available as both an aid and a reminder. :wink