Son's pictures, help, advice needed?

[dragnfly1996]

Hi new here, I have a 300D with kit equip (my first purchase of 420 flash and 50 1.4 are on their way) but I swear I want to be able to take some high quality pics with the camera as is. Anyway, I am unable to see in thesepictures the quality that I want and I would love some advice. I am studying on this site and other about making manual adjustments but understanding and implimenting seem to be a barrier right now. I would love some suggestions on the best way to experiment and learn. Anyway, here are 2 shots I took this morning.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/lovingeyesphoto/IMG_1003bw.jpg
Tv( Shutter Speed )
1/60
Av( Aperture Value )
5.0
ISO Speed
100

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/lovingeyesphoto/IMG_1013bw.jpg
Tv( Shutter Speed )
1/60
Av( Aperture Value )
5.6
ISO Speed
100

[Titus213]

Posting the exif data on each picture will help ID problems with these (I don't really see any in these images). Additionally, check out this link:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=82228

I am one of many here that think the kit lens has a bad reputation. It's capabilities and liabilities just need to be understood and dealt with...after all, it is a $100 piece of glass. And at that price I think it does a terrific job and should be capable of giving you most of what you're looking for. Of course there is always the possibility that it will never satisfy your desires too....:lol:

I know the desire for fast, crisp glass is a terribly expensive one.

All that being said, I think the kit lens performs better with good light and higher f-stops and shutter speeds.

[dragnfly1996]

I posted the info for each pic. I am learning that light seems to be the key with all aspects of a great photo. Unfortunatly, with candid photos indoors, I am not able to get the pic that I want, at least until I recieve my flash I hope. :)

[Curtis N]

Have you tried the built-in flash? It's not too useful, but at these distances it will give you the light you need. If you're close enough you may even be available to avoid redeye.

ISO 400 (or higher)is usually a good choice indoors, and it would allow you to stop the lens down a stop or two or use a faster shutter. Either of which might help with sharpness issues.

[Titus213]

I would definitely raise the ISO. That will give you more latitude with the f-stop and shutter speed. You say you've ordered the 420EX flash. Nice unit but not too adjustable for power. You should probably plan on a diffuser or learning to bounce the flash, especially at these distances. I've found the LSII a nice unit to use and others use various diffusers for the flash. It will soften the light considerably. But the 420 should improve your capabilities enormously.

I really like your composition. You've caught something in the expressions. I am a close freak when it comes to portraits, I like them close like you've done here. I'm looking forward to your future posts.