Conor, in all honesty I think you need to begin exploring some interesting places and subjects. Go on a roadtrip over the weekend, find something totally different to what you normally shoot, or set something up with a friend. The composition of the shots aren't bad at all, but you need to have subject matter that tells more of a
story.
This is the problem with many of the photos in this thread...candid head shots are not interesting, unless they show purpose or meaning. Hardly any of the candid stuff on here portrays something near an emotion or an environment which draws ones attention.
Whilst everyone is obsessing over lighting, composition and angles, you are forgetting the MOST important aspect of a photograph...the STORY behind it. Perhaps it is partly to do with the fact that this thread seems to be turning into a "I was bored so I went out and took this today in the house", but wheres the interesting stuff?
How does Alan manage to post a photo of a pair of dragonflies, or a water dragon that instantly captures ones attention? Because it has subject and purpose. The dragonflies are busy getting it on (insect porn?) and the water dragon seems to be poised as if it is looking straight through the screen at you.
Getting people to express their emotions through their faces and eyes is hard, but as a photog, you need to be able to bring this out of people.
Sorry Conor, I don't want to sound like I am having a go at you, because I'm not....It is a much more general observation. But it'd be great to see one of your subjects pull an expression that draws attention or focus to what they are doing, or what they are thinking. Then, and only then, is it time to hone your skills in photoshop
