I love my Canon Powershot SX130IS camera. I’ve owned it for 2 years now, and have really been impressed with the photos I can take on the fly.

However, I have never gotten out of automatic mode, and I know there is so much more to this camera than solely automatic.

So, while Mountain Man and I were on our Napa Getaway this past weekend, I tried the Aperture mode. Turns out, its pretty darn simple.

You see, I would really like a DSLR camera, but it would probably be a good idea if I check out the manual settings on this camera first before purchasing a new higher end camera.

I want to make sure I can handle the complexities of all of the choices in manual mode.

I know with aperture mode, the main subject of the photo is given center stage and highlighted in the photo with just the right lighting settings.

After taking the photos of the beautiful blue glasses at Fish Story restaurant, I can see how this mode makes a big difference, especially for an amateur like me.

Automatic Mode

Glasses with Aperture setting. Yay, its brighter. And crisper.

Automatic mode:  The subject does not appear to be highlighted. The shot focuses on the whole scene.

Coffee cup in aperture mode- looks crystal clear, don’t you think?

My cappuccino cup in aperture mode. Isn’t that super crystal clear? Love it!

Chocolate liquers at Annette’s chocolates in Oxbow Market in Napa: shown in automatic mode.

Chocolate liquers at Annette’s chocolates in Oxbow Market in aperture mode.  The silver dispensers are much more noticeable in this mode than in automatic mode above.

I have much to learn, but I’m excited I took this first baby step.

Will keep you posted in my journey to becoming a skilled photographer.

1