[Colonel]

I can't see the first one (broken link). The only way to learn is to keep playing with it. (but only post it in here if you have tough skin!) The second one is pretty interesting. I agree with the filter comments so far. Use them sparingly. The same goes for lighting effects. Don't use them unless they contribute to the overall pic. The lens flare in this second pic is distracting. To me, it takes away from the overall effect of the photo. Maybe if it was smaller and not as bright. But remember, a lens flare is the result of light reflecting off of something. If you stick one kinda out in the middle of nowhere it doesn't seem to fit. It's like drawing a table in a picture of a room but using a different perspective. It just makes the table look out of place.