Camera Labs

A friend of mine looked through my pics on my flickr, and said I was really good and should do a photography course. But as we're all photographers here of varying skill, please tell me honestly, am I good, or am I catostrophically awful?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spinner673/

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Olympus E-400 + 14-42mm + 40-150mm + 70-300mm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spinner673/

why would you think your "catostrophically awful", I liked them

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Nikon D5000
Sigma 18-200mm
Sigma 50mm 12.8 macro

well when I compare my stuff to other photos I see on the CL forums and in magazines, my photos just seem amateurish and uninspiring.

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Olympus E-400 + 14-42mm + 40-150mm + 70-300mm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spinner673/

They look alright, but they aren't anything special. That's my honest opinion.

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PhilipGoh.com

I like this one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spinner673/3189395882/sizes/m/.

I think you should read up on the rule of thirds and a few other basic rules though. Your subjects are good but you could compose them better I think. It's art though, so it's subjective.

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SPINNER673, as Shagrath said you need to learn about composition, sometimes, objects in the pictures can't be in the center all the time. You need to think before you take the picture. I'm not saying I'm professional but I always think before I take the picture. What do you want to show on the picture? Why? Is it going to be a good picture? Is it good angle? Etc.
Always compare your pictures to other people's pictures. Take 200 shots and select only 25 best photos!
And always ask if you're not sure! Ask for feedback!
Goodluck

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http://arturious.blogspot.com/

These are all good tips, thanks everyone! I'll invest in some photography books, any particularly good ones for helping with composition?

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Olympus E-400 + 14-42mm + 40-150mm + 70-300mm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spinner673/

I like em....
The motion ones were a bit too motiony for me but still good.
The wildlife ones....my favs
This goes on the "thirds" comments kinda...
The geese they are centered in the pic, if you could have them flyin/taking off INTO the pic...
Same with the crow I believe it was,it was LEAVING the pic...
I know I saw a fox in there too, just me but....get closer, it was a beauty scenery shot but,...me being me,... that would have immediately turned into a foxhunt...by closer I mean get so you can count it's whiskers in the pic....lol
I love critter pics.
Photgraphy books cost money, there is a wealth of info/pics here within the differant labs.
Surf around and look at pics + comments + C&C about each.
When in doubt....ask.

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Pentax K-5
Pentax 18-55mm,Pentax 50-200mm,Sigma 17-70mm,Sigma 70-300mm, Sigma 50-500mm

I'll Take His Word, Yes Your Pictures Ok at least not Terrible

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Soon.....

I think everyone has to start at zero unless if you're born with talent. The main thing is are willing to continue? Are you motivated to always strive to stand out? If yes then go on. My first pictures were embarrassing but I learned through practice and study. I would spent on average 10-12 hours a week learning lighting principles and composition through the net and text.

You are certainly getting involved in your community and you're not afraid to take your camera to new places. You have potential and you are certainly gaining ground photographically.

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Assistant News Photojournalist
Nikon and Canon Systems
A variety of f/2.8 lenses from 10.5 to 400mm
Support Cameralabs!

Um i think there are a few really good photos
keep going and you will improve a lot
miles

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Canon 450d 18-55 IS

My Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26149664@N03/

Closest to the mark. It's an uninspiring collection. As identified composition work is key, but more than that, try to find a particular niche you like and work with that.

Doing a photography couldn't harm.

Stick at it; we all find ways of improving with experience.

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Nikonian

http://www.edtangphotography.com
http://journeysintophotography.blogspot.com/

Consider "The photographer's guide to composition" by John Freeman. And study other people's photos carefully, that can help!

- Bjorn -

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Street and documentary photographer | Google+ | Twitter | Blog | Tumblr

Leica M9-P (my article on Camera Labs) | Leica D-Lux 5 | 50mm Summilux

I kind of had the same experience as you.. all my friends and family praise me for my (probably not too bad) 08/15 photography, but as soon as I start looking at, for instance, a micro stock website, I realize how far from "really good" I still am.. in both, composition and technical ways :/

Just keep on taking pictures and your skills will improve inevitably - at least that's what I keep telling myself Your pictures are not bad, nor are they anything special, as allready mentioned by the people before me.

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Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM | Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM | Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
...and a lot of lighting stuff. -> complete list of equipment

Website
Blog

completly agree with the take alot of photos coment. when i get home from a day out.. i have hundreds of photos and i always cut it down by half. not that my photos suck just you need to take photos fast to catch everything and some times better to quickly get the snap before the moment passes and crap the image at home

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gear:
Canon EOS 50D w EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens
Canon powershot G10
Canon film SLR EOS 1000f w EF 35-80mm f/4.5-5.6 & EF 80-200mm f/4.5-5.6mm

Wish List:
Canon 60mm f/2.8 macro

http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresas_diaries/