On reflection so far I've learned an enourmous amount, aperture, shutter speed, the relationship between the two and also ISO sensitivity. I've enjoyed the practical element of the excercises which for me have been essential in getting to know my camera and also gaining confidence with manual settings and the effect they have on the finished outcome, good or bad there is a learning opportunity. The purchase of my camera has made a huge difference to my learning, I've repeated some of the excercises in order to get to know the controls and settings. It's much easier to use and I feel much more confident in completing the excercises. I have emersed myself in photography, blogging taking pictures, reading etc, its been a very welcome escape from what's happening in my life at the momment. I've named my first picture 'journey into the next field' for my beloved Mother. Her dedication to her painting is my inspiration, she never gave up when things were difficult, she says she 'looses herself' in her painting, I feel the same way about photography. RIP my beloved Mother, I hope I've inherited her creativity and determination to suceed, she was, and continues to be, my inspiration, and when I receive my degree, I will dedicate it to her.