I have the worst time figuring out what the best setting is...and I don't even have a fancy camera lol

You look great, I think the pictures turned out nicely Cee. The outfit looks very fresh :)

I've had my camera for a year, and I still can't figure out the proper setting for outdoors. Leaves me totally scratching my head. I need to spend more time with my camera. If you need a few starter books to teach you about the camera basics I can recommend a few if you like.

Actually no, I take that back. I've figured out how to deal with the lighting outside, I just can't figure out how to do it in actual practice :P

I think you're too hard on yourself! I like your choice of setting - the colorful leaves on the side contrast with your light outfit. And you're braver than I am ... I've scouted a good outdoor spot but haven't used it yet. :)

I love, love these jeans on you! We are learning our new cameras together...and I don't think these pics look bad at all :)

Oh I love those shoes. Super cute!

oh man, I struggle with cameras too. The outfit still looks really good in spite of technical difficulty. I really like the necklace SPG made for you!

wow I never seen destroyed pants look so good!

i cant imagine that these are your bad pics. i cannot for the life of me figure out how to take better pics in the sun. there must be a trick.
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Adore your bag - these pictures are all so beautiful!

@Cher - Do you know any good photography sites instead? I've been randomly googling and watching Youtube videos, but I wonder if that's just not good enough and books are the way to go.

@Carrie - You can do it! I find it's hard to go back to indoor photos with artificial lighting now -- been spoiled by natural lighting, haha. People staring still gets to me sometimes but I suck it up because I love the lighting so much more.

You should check http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/

I love her site and she has a lot of great info on manual settings and also few tips for beginners Cee.

The photos are not bad for first testing out manual settings! mine came out horrible when I first stated!

I struggle all the time with settings and editing....sometimes I get so frustrated- I say screw it! LOL

I love that you're trying new things with your camera settings, instead of just relying on the same old, same old. You are my photography hero :)

Also, I love these jeans...and I love how you can take a typical pair of deconstructed jeans and make them look so classy!

I like how this outfit is effortless and put together at the same time. Very nice.

And those shoes are awesome!

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I have yet to find a website that covers all the basics as well as a good book, or at least have them all in one place. Books don't really cost that much. ~$12 from Amazon (I love Amazon). Or you can just go to your local library where they will have tons for you to choose from. But I really encourage you to learn to use your camera whether it be a book or website or have someone physically teach you. It's really the only way to get the most out of what you paid for!