Markus Schwarze and m. shalaby...

...have really inspired me.

Portrait photography never really was top of my "photography interest" list but after seeing these Markus and m. shalaby's work Ive really become fascinated with that style! It's so...I cant even really describe why its so interesting to me. The style and the idea is just amazing.

Its also pointed me to some different gear. I have an XSi that Ive been struggling with. It really hasnt been a bad camera but Im getting to the point now where Im expecting more from a camera that cant deliver what I want. Ive had my XSi for a year and it really has taught me alot about photography but I'm ready to upgrade.

Ive started to save for a 5dmkII and a 135L. Everytime I see that combo used I say WOW! The bokeh, contrast, sharpness and colors are exactly what I want!

So thanks to both of you for inspiring me. My wallet and I truly appreciate it! Haha!

I don't think you necessarily need to have the 5DMII to pull off the shots of the aforementioned photog's. While the gear is important, the skill in using it is even more so.
Take the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM you have listed in your gear list as an example. Due to the crop factor (1.6x) on your XSi it results in a comparable focal lenth of about 135mm of which you would have on a FF/135L combo. Stop your 85 f/1.8 down to f/2 or even to f/2.8 and if using the proper distance from your subject + subject distance from background you can achieve very comparable images.
I have often used a DOF calculator application for my Ipod touch when first using a lens to get an idea of what I need for that wrap around separation I call it. I try to keep that distance that's in focus isolated to the persons depth in an image for lack of a better explanation. You'll know your nailing your sharpness and isolation in your photo's when other people start oohing and aahing over what great shots they are.
Rent or buy first the 135L and try it on your XSi and your images will "POP" a bit more due to the improved contrast/color saturation and bokeh the 135L is capable of delivering.
I would also look into a 5D Classic for your FF needs. You would be looking at saving a few hundred $$ with a 5D Classic + 135L combo and still getting a killer combination.
I enjoy following POTN member Brennan. M's posts on here as he is an up and coming young photographer and he does some excellent work with the 5D/135L combo. I don't think he would mind me posting a link to his flickr site.

I checked out your smugmug site and it looks like you already have a good understanding of what makes up a good photograph. Some really nice images with good color and sharpness. Based on what I saw I would recommend going with good glass (135L) before the camera.

Thorrulz wrote in post #12111637
I don't think you necessarily need to have the 5DMII to pull off the shots of the aforementioned photog's. While the gear is important, the skill in using it is even more so.
Take the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM you have listed in your gear list as an example. Due to the crop factor (1.6x) on your XSi it results in a comparable focal lenth of about 135mm of which you would have on a FF/135L combo. Stop your 85 f/1.8 down to f/2 or even to f/2.8 and if using the proper distance from your subject + subject distance from background you can achieve very comparable images.
I have often used a DOF calculator application for my Ipod touch when first using a lens to get an idea of what I need for that wrap around separation I call it. I try to keep that distance that's in focus isolated to the persons depth in an image for lack of a better explanation. You'll know your nailing your sharpness and isolation in your photo's when other people start oohing and aahing over what great shots they are.
Rent or buy first the 135L and try it on your XSi and your images will "POP" a bit more due to the improved contrast/color saturation and bokeh the 135L is capable of delivering.
I would also look into a 5D Classic for your FF needs. You would be looking at saving a few hundred $$ with a 5D Classic + 135L combo and still getting a killer combination.
I enjoy following POTN member Brennan. M's posts on here as he is an up and coming young photographer and he does some excellent work with the 5D/135L combo. I don't think he would mind me posting a link to his flickr site.

Thorrulz wrote in post #12111698
I checked out your smugmug site and it looks like you already have a good understanding of what makes up a good photograph. Some really nice images with good color and sharpness. Based on what I saw I would recommend going with good glass (135L) before the camera.

Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it. The body will be down the road a bit. Im thinking glass will come first but I definitely want to upgrade the body soon too.

I love the 135L but I have also been looking at a wide prime. The EF 28mm 1.8 or Sigma's 30mm 1.4 will probably be first because I really dont like the 18-55 and I have fallen in love with primes.

I dont think the XSi is a bad camera but low light, high ISO performance is annoying me. I took some pics today that are really noisy at ISO 400 and 800. The low light performance is why i want to upgrade. I have been looking at the 5d classic lovers thread and it is really awesome!