Some advice John
Get a new tripod with a fluid head and some bubbles. Dont skimp on this purchase.
When you've got it, and set it up for a shot with the bubbles so that it pans level,
DON'T pan left and right all the time, that is almost as 'amateur' and disturbing to the viewer
as using the lens zoom control continuously !
DON'T use the camera with everything set to 'Auto'. Your short piece on the beach is very
overexposed.
In fact I would say don't use the camera with ANYTHING set to 'Auto'. Learn how to evaluate
all your 'settings' and make them manually.
You seem to have 'a good eye' for a shot, so continue to work on this element of your cinematography.
And finally, try and get some structure to your work, like starting with a script or a storyboard.
Don't worry about the 'Special Effects' or post production 'trickery' yet, there will be plenty of time
for all of that, after you have progressed with your basic 'content gathering'.
You can spend hours in your Fianal Cut suite, but don't forget the old adage : "Rubbish In : Rubbish Out" !
And most importantly... Have Fun !
I am looking forward to seeing your next work !
Kind regards,
Fred D.