After lurking for quite a while and reading Chucks tutorials along with C&C's of other posts. I thought it is time to put what I have read into practice. A shot of my wife and one of our greyhounds taken with a 580EX on a bracket and a 283/peanut at camera right. C&C on how to improve is appreciated.
Looks like you're on your way, seem to have a background of some sort already. A few thoughts from a not much more experienced portrait photographer myself. It seems as if your flash is too harsh, like you have only one and it's sitting right on top of the camera. I'd try bouncing it off the ceiling or a nearby wall, it creates a much softer light. It seems too much in the style of point-and-shoot cameras because of the lack of shadows. Even bouncing it can create some soft shadows that seem more natural.
good first attempt... I think the composition needs some work (she appears to be falling into the frame a little too much) This shot looks underexposed and could use a little more pop... there is a fair amount of noise especially in the shirt. Overexposure is more forgiving than underexposure so don't be afraid to lean towards that when in doubt... I would suggest playing with the composition increase the exposure and try again... good luck.
