PS WHOOPS - I misread this (as 'how long did it take you to start getting good at taking photos in natural light)
Here is a more specific answer to your question re manual mode - I studied the theory and started applying it immediately in practical terms, so that I can visually see the changes that the variables make in my images. I'm not sure exactly how long but at least a few months.
VARIABLES:
Shutter
Apeture
ISO
That's mainly it! Shutter applies mainly to how sharp you need your images (and whether you need to 'freeze' the action or capture 'movement' for example a landscape)
Aperture is like the iris - how big the iris is - the higher the number the sharper the depth of field (more is in focus). The smaller the number, the shallower the depth of field (less in focus).
Do some experiments with high vs low aperture
Then high vs low shutter (usually under 60 requires a tripod)
And see what it does to your images :)
Thanks that's intresting/ makes sence, nice explanation! :)
yeah that is a big list that definitely helps tho, I will practice with them settings, I'm guessing iso can be/ is normally left to auto?
You can leave it to auto yes - I like selecting it manually as I always like knowing what my settings are (as they effect the image). The higher the iso the more noise ('grain') - not necessarily a bad thing - but just know how it affects your image :)
Do some with high and low ISO and compare the difference so you understand the visual differentiation :D
Cool cl, thought so, will try that out once I get more experience, thanks!