When was the moment for you when it all just clicked? I think I had one this morning when I was out doing some sunrise photos, I decided to try manual mode and just from my quick look on the computer I think the photos have come out well, the photos look to be well exposed given it is the first time I have used manual mode on the 40D and one of the first times I have manual mode at all.

I was that in tune with my camera and could guess what values I needed fairly well, I think all the help I have gotten on here and the fact using manual mode means you need to slow down and THINK about what you are taking makes a lot of difference.

Paul