Thanks in advance.

[LoneWolfUSMC]

I have been a photographer since my high school days when 35mm and darkrooms were king. I feel lucky to have actually gotten the experience. I shot everything from portraits in a full studio, candid shots, group photos and at least one wedding.

I went into the Marine Corps after that and since I was a grunt my cameras of choice were disposable 35mm.

Once I returned the digital age was upon us and I started back up with consumer point and shoot digitals.

Now a few years later I got the bug for good photography equipment. My Kodak Z612 was a good camera, but I started pushing it's limits. I stepped up to a EOS Rebel XS and it's 18-55mm kit lens. I still had my 35mm EOS from "back in the day" so the digital EOS was a natural choice.

I started doing product photography for my website and of course candid shots of my family. My composition was good but I was still lacking details. I kept working to remember the lessons I learned years ago.

I just recently upgraded to a Canon 50mm f/1.8 prime lens, and was very pleased with the results. Together with some Photoshop adjustments I am now getting results I am satisfied with.

Much of my renewed success had been due to reading websites like this one.

My results in natural light have been great. Now I start down the difficult road of re-learning the lessons of flash photography. I have a used Sunpak PZ40X flash on the way to play with (because I am still on a budget).

My toughest assignment will be later this month when I try to shoot new products on location an the SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Thanks for the info and thanks in advance for the questions I am sure you guys will be able to answer!