Some Photography Advice

Hello friends!
So if you aren't aware, I do photography. I've asked for a lot of help lately from some friends in a Facebook group I'm in.

The following shots are organized in the same way. The one on the left is from 2014, and the one on the right is from 2015. Let's see how much I've improved (while, in between each photo, I'll write the advice I've heard so far)...

   Now, this photo is very similar. I didn't realize it until I looked through my older pictures! As you can see, the left one from 2014 is less colorful. The difference from then? I now have a new camera (Fujifilm FinePix S8650) and I've practiced more with editing (color and lighting) and it makes a HUGE difference.

"My personal advice is: play around with lighting and temperature...simple editing. Edits can give more life to a photograph."                                                                                 -Lydia

   Yes, this is also something I've photographed almost too much. Hm...maybe I want to change up my subject. My good friend, Steve, gave me some advice with this one.

"Expand your scale. Do larger subjects. Can still do anything ya' want. There is more to photograph than just plants...Use your landscapes all around you. Just make interesting compositions and shoot in new angles. The simplest of things can become the most interesting when looked at with new eyes."            -Steve

   I get it, both of these shots are a tad ratchet. But with some simple editing, the one on the right looks way more alive! And the sun gives it more temperature. If there isn't enough temperature, some shots can look more dull, like the one on the left. You can always edit this. But when I take shots in my room, I always have to turn the temperature down since things are too orange (thanks to my walls). But still...this is a lot of nature stuff. What can be done to change up why subjects? Group member, Nick, gave me some incredibly helpful advice for this.

"If you are looking to improve I would figure out what you really love to shoot. Portraits, nature, animals, Figure out what you like and start from there. Really learn how to shoot the type of subject you like to shoot and build off of it...Flash can always be necessary it's just another tool to control your light and creativity...You can always try different shots of the same subject. Try to create different moods and different lighting. Make the same basic photo have different meanings."    -Nick

Thank you to everyone who helped me out with this! Want more photography advice? Comment some below!  I can always ask these kind fellows your questions if you'd like, because I still consider myself to be a beginner. I hope you found this helpful! Keep on grinning!
-Lydia