Don't know a thing about photography I inherited a digital cam and started playing around with it. Picture I took of surf at lighthouse last Saturday. I use Iphoto to crop and mess with the exposure etc.

Not a bad start keep up the good work. Might I suggest that you cut the top 1/3 of the sky out to emphasize the wave more.

Redfin,

Here are a couple of things I can think of:

1. Try to make keep the horizon level. If your camera has different marked focal points in the viewfinder, you can use them as a guide.
2. BlueJay mentioned the Rule of Thirds a while back. It has to do with putting your main subject off to one side or the other, not perfectly centered. Google it. I did and think it helped my pictures.
3. try adjusting the contrast a little, if you have the ability with your editing tool.

Cheers,
Will

Same day another wave, (I think) played a little more with the contrast and exposure. appreciate the suggestions to both of you.

I like that one!

Me too!

The rule of thirds is great way to go. It's so basic. Once you start using it, you will find that it almost comes naturally. I carry mat board with me and will "frame" a picture before I take it, especially if I plan to use it for one of my watercolors. Of course, you can use it as as editing tool after you've taken the picture as well. the rule of thirds really does add to the composition. And I really like your scond picture!

Here's a little exaggerated example of contrast and cropping, using your original Wave photo.

Here it is with the horizon horizontal or fairly so. That is the first thing I notice on horizon pics, whether it is straight or not, looks like the ocean is going to go downhill otherwise.