If you want to learn to get the most out of the camera, always either use P, Av, Tv, or even better M modes. Don't use the green square or the icon modes.
I think I mostly use Av mode. For the first few pics of the horse with the houses in the background. If you'd opened the aperture up to the max, the horse would have been in focus, and the background would have been blurred which would have really made him stand out in the photo. The houses in the background would be less distracting if out of focus.
Get the "Nifty 50" lens. It's about $100 and worth every penny.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-USA/Canon_2514A002_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html
Huh, apparently the price has gone up. It used to be available for less than $100, now it's $115. Still, it's worth it. It's a great lens and anyone with an SLR should own one.
__________________
Steve
'08 Boxster RS60 Spyder #0099/1960
- never named a car before, but this is Charlotte.
'88 targa
SOLD 2004 - gone but not forgotten