alright

since i got the whole aperture thing down.

low aperture #= higher depth of field.
high aperture #= lower depth of field.
or in other words, or i guess my words (or logic): if you want to see more in the photo, use a higher number. if you don't want to see background (blur the background) and mostly the subject, use a lower number.

so now i moved onto shutter speed: hello.
the LONGER the shutter stays open, the MORE light enters the camera.
the SHORTER the amount of time the shutter is open, the LESS light enters the camera.

der! how easy is that? now i just need to figure it out actually using my camera in 'S' mode. this should be interesting.