I'd like to embark on a self portrait photo-a-day project with my Rebel XSi & 50mm f/1.8 lens. The problem is that the built-in timer won't work for this - the AF kicks in when you press the shutter button, rather than when the timer reaches zero. At that point I'm not in the frame and the photo turns out blurry.
I've tried manually focusing on the spot where I intend to stand, but it's awfully hit-or-miss.
What I'd like to do is compose the shot and manually select the AF point, then step into the frame and release the shutter remotely. Is there a remote which is capable of triggering the AF mechanism like this? It's not clear to me that this is even possible.