just started getting into photography this past summer and looking for some constructive criticism so I can get better. i didn't know where else to post so I said why not on Azine? These were taken with a Nikon D80 and some of them were slightly edited in Aperture (crops, straightening, exposure, etc). if anyone is interested or cares since this is a car forum, I drive a 2g Acura TL and you can see pics of it at my web gallery

 

Are you considering this a "real" portfolio?

I see at least 3 shots in it that are not even in focus for starters.

What are you trying to accomplish with building a portfolio? What do you want to achieve with it?

Right now, its a couple amateur shots that doesn't seem to have any real or coherent goal.

 

Most of your shots are out of focus or have a very soft focus. Are you using auto or manual focus? The auto focus on some cameras, even D-SLRS, aren't as good as manually focusing. I've noticed it gets even worse when the batteries are low.

IMO, your photos also need a clear subject.

 

Yeah a bunch are out of focus. Honestly, most of them look like "snapshots" as opposed to "photographs". Then again, what do I know!

 

You'll want to work on the subject of your photos a bit more. Think about what you are trying to convey and what is interesting.

Try not to place the subject right in the middle of the photograph.

Beware of what is in the background, say a tree or light pole sticking out of someone's head or whatever.

Work on your focusing a little bit. As said before, manual focusing usually gives you better results.

Using a tripod or some kind of wall/barrier to balance the camera on at night will give you better night shots.

If anything, keep working at it and you'll improve.

 

I think you have some decent concepts going here, but just need a bit of refinement to convey what you found interesting to the viewer.

#3 might have been better if they were a bit closer or interacting with each other somehow.
#4 is my favorite out of the bunch. Not really the best "location" but your subject is clear and isolated from her surroundings.
#9 just needs a bit more visual interest to draw the user in. Perhaps getting the top of the bench to go diagonally across the image. Use the "natural" lines of your environment to guide the viewer.

Just keep looking at things in more than one way and see which perspective conveys what you see.