Constructive Criticism: Portraits

I need help. Mental jokes aside, I suck at portrait photography. Maybe I'm not fast enough. I see a beautiful photo flash before my eyes, I go to take the picture, the moment passes, and I miss it. Maybe I'm just not good at composing a portrait photo. I get trees popping out of people's heads and glares in their glasses. I'm not sure what my problem is, but I definitely need your help.

Take a look at these portraits and tell me what I can do to improve. Be nice if you must, but don't hold back anything. I need your criticism.

This is one of my friend's little girls. Isn't she a cutie? What are your tips on getting good child portraits?





Now for my husband :) He loves the water so this was perfect for him.







What are your tips for post processing portraits? Any advise is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help :)
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Constructive Criticism

Shot at F11 and 1/3 shutter speed

After two games of bowling everyone ended up back at our house playing Wii. I have to admit, I am much better at Wii bowling than real bowling. I think I had the worst score ever in my second game. But, this post is not about my bowling skills, it is about opening myself up to constructive criticism. I will be the first one to admit that this isn't my best shot, it's not even close. Bowling alley lighting is horrible, there are kids running around everywhere. To get a descent shot you have to get in someones way. It wasn't the best conditions.

So, I'm curious to see if anyone has any bowling alley photo shoot advise, or show me your bowling alley pictures. Let me know what I could have done differently, what settings would have made the shot better, etc. I'm here to learn, so let me hear it (nicely of course). If you don't have any advise I would love to hear your favorite bowling alley memory.