holy out of focus, batman! if you don't own a tripod, which it doesn't look like you do, try setting the camera up on a coupla blocks with a sock full of sand (so you can position the camera and know it won't move). i used to suck at taking pictures, but i've been picking up tips and tricks along the way and now i can actually take a picture less than 12" from the camera and still be in focus...