This is my first DSLR, T4i

Very nice photos. Cute dog.

My son just bought a T4i, a week before Christmas, in time to take some great shots of the celebration. There are some very knowledeable people here and a lot of great information. The "search" function is your friend. Take photo's several time a week in different modes, including manual and you will get good fast. -rick

Wow, what a difference a day makes!...These shots are great Micah and Cody is a beautiful dog. In fact I think that you should consider printing and framing that 2nd one in this set that you've just posted.

As the others have said, learn how to use the "Creative Zone" modes and shoot lots of pictures and even though you are off to a good start, you will only get better results and enjoy your photography more. Warning: Photography is addictive and buying new gear can be expensive, but it's a lot of fun and a very enjoyable and worthwhile hobby.

Thanks everyone for the comments. I really liked those last pictures I posted. The background isn't great though, it could've been so much better with green grass! I hope it snows soon so I can get snow shots.

I did take some scenic pictures of some very far cliffs and rocky terrain, but I don't think they really turned out that great. I didn't use a tripod though.

Background is good. It doesn't take away your focus from the dog and the ball. I think it looks good. Sometimes, you don't need that background and want a "blah" background so you stay focus on the subject.

Fernanmd wrote in post #15445984
Ok, I figured that lens lock was just to secure it. Also, I got the Camera with a basic kit from B&H and it came with a UV lens to go on the STM lens. How often should I take it off to clean in there? Also, is it safe to use HDTV screen spray cleaner on the lenses?

What other maintenance should I do yet, if any? Maybe some products I should buy for the future also.

Thanks everyone for your input.

DO NOT use HDTV screen spray cleaner on the lenses. You can use a microfiber cloth, lens tissues, lens cleaner, or a lens pen. Using the wrong chemicals can damage the lens coatings.

If the lens and filter are clean when you put the filter on the lens, you probably won't need to take the filter off to clean under there. You'd probably only have to clean the filter itself.

Something you might want to buy is a Rocket Blower. Looks like a rubber bulb that you squeeze to blow air. You can use that to blow dust, etc off your lens/filter and when cleaning dust off your sensor.