Hi and welcome!!! I have to agree with FastGlass on the depth-of-field matter, although I do think the focus is dead-on... I don´t use, or ever used auto modes, but you can try this: 1- Set the camera on A (aperture priority). 2- Zoom out and with your rear dial, set the lowest possible number (just turn it until the numbers stop changing). 3- Move your subject further away from the background (this will also help to blur the background - technically bokeh). 4- Move yourself away from the subject and zoom in (since your lens doesn´t have a large aperture/low number, distance between you and your subject and your subject and the background is another way of achieving some blur). 5- Shoot
... Let us know what you think... Picture #1 is very nice and does not require a shallow depth-of-field, but in deep shade situations I find toning down a bit (less saturation, less hue and a tad more contrast) gives a deep, colder look to the image. Again keep us posted. The most important is, enjoy!