I haven’t yet reached a point where my confidence in what I attempt to convey actually translates to what I capture. So instead of trashing the image or relying on the auto exposure I decided to manipulate it. On the left is my setting (f/8.0, 1/50 sec, ISO 200), on the right is the camera’s auto setting (f/10, 1/200 sec, ISO 100). In the middle is my compromise.

I’m not there yet but if I delay or compare where I am to what I aspire to I’ll never get started. Something is almost always better than nothing. Or at least is is definitely different. I can live with that.