Fledgling photographer trying to take decent pics of wriggling baby I’m autumn afternoon light

Hello...

Ciaroshi wrote:

Hi all,

I’ve been studying many, many Internet pages for the answer to the above, Aldo my camera manual, then bought a nifty 50 lens for my gifted DSLR Canon Rebel XR EOS 350D, bought a lens hood, cleaned camera, scrubbed camera. Played with it, loved it, took it out for dinner and wrapped it in cashmere.

Yes my son Josh got this for his birthday gift.

Yet when I tried to do my own photoshoot with my wriggling 7 month old, very blurry pics. tried different settings engaging AF because I am going for the easiest option here and my eye sight isn’t great atm (long story). Read AF is excellent though to best use it on a wriggler.
what am I missing?? It’s quite bright here in the UK in the winter around early afternoon, so I don’t need a flash indoors. Switched from a 85mm to 50mm to get more depth but it’s still all out of focus. Seriously if she was completely still, great shots, bit that isn’t happening. Also like to take nature shots too and that has been a struggle.
I read putting the camera into av mode and half pressing the shutter button down first should do the trick but it didn’t. Please send help!!
I admit, I need an idiots guide here. I’m trying to do a little photoshoot for the grandparents, family and friends and we couldn’t, nor will get to do one professionally due to Covid. But it’s perfect opportunity to learn! But I need to get the cards made and off next week latest 😬😬 been weeks messing around with this.

Yes have fun with your camera... I suggest a Canon 50mm/ nifty lens to start out if you don't have one. IMHO.