I really don't know how to use my camera, @bashadow - it's stuck on 'auto'. I really should take a class but I would rather hang out with a professional photographer on a photoshoot. I do have a good eye though - I know what a shot should look like. LOL This year, I've learned about light and dark and just like drawing, makes a big difference in if a picture looks flat or 'alive'. AND later in the day photography makes a whole lotta difference! That's the time! Imma learning!
Thank you for your input and comment - always very helpful.
I keep playing with mine, I can't tell you how many pictures I took on manual, before I saw that little hack mark bar in the viewfinder, saying you are in range. A lot of whiteout shots, and blackout shots, and yeah, time of day makes a difference I guess, flat light verse back light, I have to be careful with my shadow getting in the way.
That's where having a decent telephoto lens helps ;) Sometimes you do need to be close to your subject though and that is a little tricky - haven't figured that one out yet.