I think your pics suffered a little of camera shake.. I like your composition. And certainly nice colours. Rich. Focus point is missing though..
If you are using Canon.. I think its focus points are pretty useful. My first hand use of the 350D was really pleasant.. its dotted focus point was so small, it could produce really pin sharp focused eyes of my close up subjects. Use it my friend to your advantage.
My 1 cent views though.. I don't get replies too.. for my pics. hee hee