Several people have emailed me with questions about the pics I posted of Graham last week. I took them myself at at the Litchfield Inn with my Canon Rebel XTi using the kit lens. I alternated between the automatic and portrait settings. I've had this camera for over a year and a half and I'm embarrased to say I haven't even begun to figure out how it works. I'm using it like a point and shoot and still getting amazing results. I LOVE IT! I'm really interested in learning more. If anyone has any tips, tricks or insight please please please share them! My new trick I'm trying to figure out is varying the aperture.

One thing I've recently read about and have started trying to do is to shoot without the flash. I tried this for the first time just this week and was amazed at how much more depth my pictures have. It only works in really naturally lit spaces. I'll be sure to post some pics soon showing the difference.

I'm tyring to start researching lenses as well so I can be prepared before my Christmas List 2009 goes out. I've heard its all about the lens. I'd love something that has a bit wider range and more zoom capabilities. Any ideas?