i'm a rookie.

[kimber3131]

I bought the Canon Rebel XSI about a month ago with the standard lens that comes with it. I have just been playing around with it and still learning to shoot great portraits. My 4 month old daughter and my little cousins are my motivation and my models. I need some suggestions and help on how to take better pictures with the lens I have until I get another (more expensive) one. Also, I want to learn how to use it in manuel, but have NO idea how. HELP!

[rsagusti]

I would recommend the book Understanding Exposure, its a great read and will teach you all about shooting in manual. Have fun, photography is a lot of fun and a great hobby! If you are itching to buy a new lens but have a budget, most people would recommend the nifty fifty (50mm f/1.8) which is around $100.

[kimber3131]

Lots of people have recommended that book, I'm heading out to buy it today. Thanks so much for your advice. I am so excited about it!

[gjl711]

Here is a great site to get you going.Covers the basics of your camera and some photographic techniques as well.
http://web.canon.jp/imaging/enjoydslr/index.html

[swoCanuk]

It is possible to get good pictures with the kit lens, it's a matter of learning how to use it. If you do, the time will come when you
may want to upgrade.

[gjl711]

It is possible to get good pictures with the kit lens, it's a matter of learning how to use it. If you do, the time will come when you
may want to upgrade.The kit lens, especially the IS version that comes with the XSi is a very nice lens. Check it out at Photozone. It is not the kit lens of old. It vignettes a bit and has a bit more chromatic aberration than the more expensive lenses but it's MTF numbers are very respectible.
http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/404-canon_1855_3556is_50d?start=1

[kimber3131]

thanks everyone for all your advice. I need to just learn how to use it I guess. I had it on MF today to take some pictures of my cousins and everything seemed to come out blurry though. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I wish all this would just come easy to me. :mad: err!

[johendley]

Kim, on the back of the camera, if you are set to live view, there are two buttons in the top right corner, so you can go 5 or 10 times magnification.
i have found these very useful when focussing manually ( as,too,is a tripod lol)

[JGelks2007]

Just my two cents here, but make sure the eyes are always in focus and sharp.