Newbie taking it off automatic.. finally

[luvsadog2]

These are just shots I was playing with to try out my XSi on AV instead of automatic .. used a nifty 50 and a remote. I appreciate any C&C since I really want to learn if I'm on the right track.

[jbreiman]

i almost said that the b/w one needed contrast but i think it works for the most part. I could see darkening the pinecones in the basket though.
for the candle one it seems a bit grainy

[luvsadog2]

Thanks for your comments -- I still don't know what I'm actually doing, but figured lots of practice will help me get an idea, lol. I think I took the candle one handheld .. here's two other versions of both photos.

[luvsadog2]

here's the other version of the bowl..

[jbreiman]

I still like the b/w version better. And i know what you mean. I know how to adjust the camera to do what i want, i just dont know how to change it fast enough to meet my environments demands without fidgeting with it forever.

[luvsadog2]

Thanks for the comments .. I think I like the B&W best too. You're ahead of me, I'm still figuring out all the buttons and the basics!