Taking pictures and proper lighting need suggestions...

[spud]

Try using teh AV mode Scott use a tripod and set the f/stop to around 20 also put on Selftimer to avoid camera shake

set the white balance to auto and the iso if you are unsure of them.

i take it you have an 18-55 kit lens also? there only ok ;D better Glass better Quality

 

[Elm City Hobbies]

Most of my photos are taken in AV mode, F/stop about 9, the white balance and iso on auto.

Tripod and timer, but rarely shoot on a white background unless the subject I am photographing tends to blend in with the background, prefer to use a blue back ground myself, find the pictures come out better.

And I use the kit lens that came with the camera, basic 18-55mm with the macro.

As long as you have lots of light....it works well.

Mine is an older Canon Rebel XT 8.3MP, works great for me, closing in on 30000 shutter clicks on it! Likely be past that by July if not earlier.

 

[spud]

and yor pics come out great Scott even with that lens