I have a Canon XSi with both the 18-55 and the 55-250 kit lenses. Lately, both lenses sometimes have problems in auto focus, trying to focus but failing to zero in on the perfect focus. Not sure if it's a contact issue in the electronics at the camera or what. Anyone else seen this behavior?

Thanks Bruce, and no, I didn't get that impression. I may have to head down a little earlier this year in fact. I'm also not against them!

Bruce,
Nice shot. This is in my neck of the woods! I'm less than an hour away, Ithaca being one of my favorite spots. I have about ten waterfalls within a mile from my driveway so waterfalls are a favorite subject. Here's one of Ithaca Falls from last Fall, after the bikinis were gone for the season.

Ithaca Falls

Eugene,
What settings did you use on your shot?

Eric,
No, I must have missed that one. But thanks on the photo!

Here's a shot looking out on our llama pasture last fall.

I've done a number of local shows and fairs in the past two years and had some success with offering more than one type of display. The first decision of how to display may be based on space. Most shows offer booth space of about a 10' x 10' space which is also a common size of vendor tent size if it's an outdoor show. For that much space I use a 2-3 wall system either in a "L" or "U" shape. On the walls I usually hang larger simple black metal framed and matted shots so people can get an idea of what a finished piece can look like on their wall. Only so many people are prepared to spend the money on a fully matted, framed, larger sized (11x14, 18x24, etc.) photo, so I also offer matted only, smaller sizes of those photos along with other similar sized work, displayed in wire carousel type freestanding displays that hold matted 5x7's and 8x10's. I also do have a limited amount of larger prints mounted on foam core that I can display in the folding, freestanding display setups that let people thumb through the stack. All the photos other than the framed, wall mounted ones are in plastic sleeves to protect from fingerprints as people will be touching and handling them.
If your show is limited in space, you can display one framed photo on a nice art easel, and then display either all 5x7's or 8x10's, matted or foam core mounted. I just think it's important to show a larger, framed and matted work to show how nice a finished piece can look. This way, I sometimes get orders based on a small 5x7 displayed, that someone wants enlarged to a much larger size, and also sell the matting and framing. I try and stick with similar type frames, usually thin, black, metal frames. I will sometimes go with a colored mat or double mat if it really adds to the photo, but most of the time I stay with basic white.
Sometimes I make out just as well with the small, local shows such as churches, schools, local festivals, etc. as larger shows. They tend to cost much more for entry fees so you need to sell a LOT more photographs to make a profit. I also try and bring photos that are specific to the areas around the shows as I am mostly a landscape photographer. They always seem to sell good when someone says "I know where that is!".

There are a number of ways to promote yourself. First, the basics include getting business cards made and don't be shy in using them with people you meet. If you are doing a lot with landscape shots as it seems you are, consider doing a few art/craft shows in your area. It's another way to get your work seen and distribute your cards, promote yourself, possibly make some sales. Use Facebook and other social sites to spread the word. I don't use Facebook myself as a personal form of communication, but I use it to promote my business, so "friend" lots of people and ask them to pass on your site to all their friends. The more exposure you can create to your site the more visits it will get. One point, if you do take the art show direction. Try and have local themed shots wherever the show area is. It will greatly increase your chances of sales at that show.

Thanks arphot. Their prices seem pretty good. I'll check them out more.

I am interested in feedback from others regarding services they may use for online websites that use a service that offers not only printing but also matting, and frame options for customers. I have dealt with exposuremanager.com for one, but it doesn't offer the options of selling framed work. I've checked out Red Bubble, and am wondering if anyone has any experience with them, or any others. I have an upcoming Gallery show before Christmas, and want to try and make a decision before that so I can get my website linked to the service before I hand out any more business cards. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

I agree with the earlier poster, if you are jumping at least 2 versions it might be worth it. I'm going from 7 to 10 so I think it's a no-brainer for me, with the only other possible factor being, do I may the jump to the full blown CS5.

Actually, I don't think it's tilted, as the ocean isn't perfectly level, just needs a tiny bit of rotation to the right. Here's the Oswego, NY lighthouse done in a painting mode printed on canvas, when I was playing around with filters.

Oswego Lighthouse

The thing about digital vs film photography, the learning curve is much cheaper. You can literally shoot 1000 shots in a day and learn by your mistakes. 35 years ago, with my first film SLR I had to be very careful about every shot because I didn't have enough money for much film/developing. Do what others have posted here, and above all, get out and practice what you have learned to see the results!

Elements seems to work good for me. You can buy the previous versions discounted already now that version 10 is out. I've don some pretty large ones with 15-20 photos and it does a great job blending and correcting perspective etc.

multi image sunset

Redi-mat is an online supplier who sells mat, backer and clear bag all as one package, with good prices when bought in volume. I use acid free tape to mount to back of mat, add backer and slip in protective sleeve. You can sell the photos this way too, as they are protected from fingers.