Camera-gate 2013

When people take gorgeous photographs, I usually assume the shots required a few quick adjustments here and there.  Then of course, the photographer was ready and able to take Pulitzer prize worthy photos of all things beautiful.  Upon further review, I was so very, very, very wrong.  Like I said the camera practice is not going as well and as quickly (what can I say?  I'm impatient!) as I'd hoped it would.  After a full month with the darn thing, I still haven't figured out how to change it to manual. 

Now don't think I haven't tried.  I've read articles. I've browsed Pinterest.  I've been scouring this site daily (which by the way is my new fave!  This woman should be sainted, but I digress...) But knowing what to do when you do go manual and actually figuring out HOW to go manual are 2 different things.  You'd expect the user's guide (I was about to use the word manual but it got a little redundant) to give you some pointers at least.  Alas, no such luck.  It tells you just about everything else, in every language imaginable but not what I want it to tell me. 

I still have quite a bit of time to figure this out.  England's not for another 3 months (and 5 days - not that I'm counting or anything).  However, I have seemingly mastered the visually interesting shots.  For those who may not be in the know, according to the Kristen dictionary, a visually interesting photo is "off-kilter to add personality." (See exhibits A-D below)  Random, I know, but my favorite way to take a picture : ) 

This one isn't visually interesting per se, but it's a really cool "uppy shot" aka a photo taken looking up at something.  (I never pretended to be clever about these names...)