clockdoc, thanks for the comments and suggestions. I was shooting with my 18-55 mm lens, a tripod and a shutter release cable. I use the cable rather than a timer because I can't set the timer and get sharp focus in the shot. So I have to stay within arms reach of my cable while taking the shot.
I'm hoping one day soon to get my hands on a IR cable release so that I can stand farther back and get different shots. But until then it's corded cable or timer.
