My first tip? Why not go NOT FULL manual?
start with spending an entire week shooting Aperture Priority (A on your camera.) Learn to control the Aperture. Let the camera do all the other math.
Next week, spend the week shooting Shutter (S on your camera)
Learn what the different shutter speeds do to an image. Let the camera do all the other math.
Spend some time shooting in both modes, but playing with different ISO settings. How does ISO affect an image?
Then, after a few weeks experimenting with Aperture, and with Shutter Speed, you can start a week full manual.
Otherwise, you may miss what the meaning of each setting is.
BTW, does the camera have a +/- button on top?
That lets you make slight adjustments, to exposure, add or take away some exposure, from what the camera thinks is right.
Use this +/- exposure Compensation for tricky shots, like a scene with lots of Snow, or lots of bright sand, etc.
Since the camera is only doing an exposure based on Average inside the shot, this compensation allows you to override and set exposure for what you want as the priority.
yes it does have the +/- button. Going Full Manual straight away, are you crazy!! lol I see what you are saying though, I just struggle to take in too much info all at once, but I guess the way you have explained it is a great idea :D thanks @bluefinstudios, you have far too much faith in me! lol
I see AWESOME images from you so far.
It's not faith if it is backed by evidence.
And your images are wonderful evidence of talent.
You are too kind :)
tell my daughters that...
... well, tell them that 5 years ago, when they were in High School.
Back when they thought I was an idiot!
haha xD