Do Not Use Auto Mode!!!

Plain and simple, you have an advanced camera that you spend alot of money on. Do not use the automatic modes EVER.

Even the newest/lacking knowledge SLR user can use the “creative zone” modes.

Why?
Auto Modes are bad, they take away almost all options from the user. They force you to use a flash when you might not want to, they usually dont let you output RAW format images, you dont get to select the focus points, and of course you dont get the appearance you want.

Do not be intimidated, the creative zone mode Av is still mostly automated, only you take control of the important features.

You get to select the focus point, you get to decide if a flash is used or not, and of course you determine your background blur (bokeh) by choosing a wider aperture (lower number) for more background blur and a narrower aperture (higher number) for sharper backgrounds.

On this site you will also find focusing and flash speedlites mentioned. Remember, when you use the built in flash on a Canon EOS DSLR it will fire the built in flash to help obtain focus. This causes flashes! and as many of you know this can confuse your subjects or even scare away you subject matter. That is why you want to avoid auto modes, they will force the flash on you at the worst times. I also advise getting a 430EX II or 580EX II to help you auto focus, they use RED LED lights to help obtain a faster more accurate flash free focus.