Help with depth of field!! Update: Picture #2 posted :)

[photo_chick]

I am using AF-C, dynamic area mode. I manually moved the focus point as needed, but stayed as close to the center focus point as possible. Would I be better off using the focus and recompose technique as long as I didn't move the camera too much?

I think that I waited for the lens to focus prior to taking the picture, but possibly not. It is hard for me to get used to having all the info along the bottom of the viewfinder, so looking at what shutter speeds I'm getting, is it focused, and trying to take pictures quickly.

I only have Photoshop elements 11 for editing. I assume I would need something other than that for noise reduction?

No. Focus and recompose is one of the worst methods of focusing. If you move at all you move the plane of focus.

AF-C is continuous servo, right? That would be my first inclination for this type of shooting.

I know Elements has noise reduction in Camera RAW. I don't know if the newest version has it anywhere else.