Practice Makes Perfect, Right?

Sheesh, I'm trying to get this Photography, Post Processing stuff all figured out. It's difficult for someone like me. I can't grasp it. But I'll keep on trying....as long as Jessica will be my subject. The poor thing pops over for a quick minute and I squeal with delight because I finally have something to photograph other than the cats! She rolls her eyes and gets irritated with me because I never have a clue as to what I'm doing.

I'm trying to learn to use my camera in something other than auto mode. Seems I'm always forgetting something. There's too much to remember. Either the white balance wasn't changed (see the blue cast in the close up?) or I forgot to change the ISO....it's always something. These are my latest favorites. I know they aren't perfect and if you have some CC for me I'd really appreciate it! I'd love to know how to get rid of the blue/green casts without losing the blue in her eyes. So much to learn....

I did get a new 50 mm lense which I think I'm going to like.....if I ever get the hang of it.

I also got Photoshop Elements 6, so I'm trying my best to learn black and white conversions, etc. I used to have photoshop CS2 but I lost it when my hard disk crashed. I didn't want to spend a ton of money upgrading and I read that PSE6 was easier to learn. yeah, right. I spent several days banging my head on the desk, then finally broke down and bought Photoshop Elements 6 for Dummies...my kinda book. Maybe (and that's a BIG maybe) I'll learn something now ...