Will you critique my photography?

[Quess]

I am already aware of many things that make some of them look very amateur. But please look at all of them and be critical--I won't take offense. Most are taken with a 35mm Nikon N65, scanned and then edited with PS v8. Thanks!
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562631780jofoDi
Wow, I'll never be able to pick a best answer--all of them are so helpful. Thanks so much for your insight.

[Atom74]

They are good on screen, let's hope you have a comprehension of print resolutions or they are useless.

[V2K1]

A good photo draws the viewer's eye in.

None of your thumbs drew mine.

Study composition and the Rule of Thirds.

There are hundreds of books and Web sites on it.

HTH
V

[Jeff A]

I'll break from the pack. Several of your photos are very good. None were bad. More interesting subject matter would be good in many cases. Closer cropping to eliminate unnecessary elements would be good. It may be my monitor, but I got the sense that you were boosting contrast on most of them. Some would look better with subtler colors. You're on the right track. Keep learning. A lot of the other people responding had good ideas. They could have been more encouraging and less harsh.

[Kaitlin?]

I'll try to set up an account with them to critque tomorrow, so far I like your compositions =]

[DRAAGON]

Essentially, just about all are 'standard beginner' shots.
The big difference between a 'snapshot' - a photo taken on the spur of the moment - and a good photograph, is that the latter is usually pre-planned, in that it starts with an idea and the photograph is then brought into actuality.
This is not to say that a good photograph cannot be suddenly 'seen'.
I am a retired pro-photog and am now just playing at it to stop my brain from turning into sludge.
I go for a daily stroll with my camera. I am LOOKING for potential subjects BUT I am also looking to see how I can make those subjects creative.
Here are some examples ...
http://eyefetch.com/image.aspx?ID=714350
http://eyefetch.com/image.aspx?ID=714326
http://eyefetch.com/image.aspx?ID=713189
http://eyefetch.com/image.aspx?ID=713097
http://eyefetch.com/image.aspx?ID=713082

I trust that these will illustrate what I mean and that they might inspire you to better photography.
Whatever happens, enjoy it as you make progress.

[travel]

There were some good answers above me.... You lack basic photography techniques such as composition, exposure, rule of thirds... you need to find more interesting subjects, try new angles and perspectives. some of your photos are not too bad, but there are some really plain-looking beginner shots. Keep working, and you'll improve because the potential is there.

[Michael U]

Yes, I agree with the others - the main thing you are lacking here is basic photography technique.

http://www.image-nut.com/spip.php?rubrique85

If you can get your exposure:
http://www.image-nut.com/spip.php?article595

composition:
http://www.image-nut.com/spip.php?rubrique87

and post production sorted:
http://www.image-nut.com/spip.php?rubrique27

then you'd be advised to study light...
http://www.image-nut.com/spip.php?rubrique85

there's a world of difference between your images and those of Draagon (above) for example - he can take simple subjects and make you see them in a different way largely through his use of light... (nice work if I may say so).

Study other photographers work and pay special attention to: shape, shine, shadow, tone, texture, silhouette, colour and movement.

[Ara57]

I find shooting cityscapes more demanding in terms of composition. Usually the simple "prettiness" won't carry the picture, so composition and exposure have to be there. Most of your pictures have no focal point. They are the typical snapshot, but at least you didn't hold the camera at arm's length for a self-portrait and then ask if you are pretty! :-)

You need to work on composition. I recommend the book "Understanding Exposure", by Bryan Peterson. Do some research on the "rules" of composition. Look at great shots in magazines and on-line and try to see what makes them good. Look at the lighting, pay special attention to the composition, angles, point of view. Then try to duplicate some in your world. Decide where you suceeded and where you fell short. Then try again. If you have a digicam, the experimenting will be cheaper. OTOH, film makes you think before snapping. They both have advantages.

Go to betterphoto.com or photo.net to see amazing galleries. Photo.net has forums, tutorials, and many galleries containing urban photography. You will at least get some new ideas to apply to your own photography. Keep learning and practicing and your skill will improve.