Have to keep learning (photog related)

So, with our new laptop it seems like I can get more reading done and photos worked on at little points during the day or evening.  Before I could only do some of that a little bit during Gabi's nap or at night.....but then I ignore the husband when I was up in the office room all evening.  No good.

I've been able to do some more research lately and I have some things I really want to work on.  I've been trying some different focusing and exposure techniques. 

So...Revelation #1 - I am understanding how important getting the right exposure in camera is.  I take the time and make the effort to shoot in full manual.....and then spend time editing afterwards to get the image back to where it should have been in the first place - with added noise/grain/ick added in. Not good!

Revelation #2 - Sometimes it is necessary to shoot in aperture or shutter priority mode instead of full manual.  It doesn't mean I'm a slacker....it literally is impossible to shoot in manual when you are chasing "subjects" through really inconsistent lighting. 

I've been looking to practice some different skills so I took Gabs out the other evening to try and get a few "sunset" or back lit shots.  We don't get much sunset at our house because of all the other houses on the other side of our sub, but I tried.