[Mr.Intensity]

Many thanx to you both! No errs at all.
1. Spot metering may be the way to go; because of the contrasting scene - my camera just did the best it could, I think? *I need a new pc monitor too.
2.Yes the trade off is/was: blown out high lights or slightly shaded mid tones-darks, it seems
3. I didn't mention I used a ef 28-90 bottom of the barrel lens, sorry. I do suppose that a little higher quality lens would've helped a little too.
I do have a 50mm 1:1.8 but I love to play with the little sneaky zoom I get from the 28-90...I just gotta walk closer, be a man and ask for shots NOT!-LOL Thank you guys again