Now if I can only get her to carry my tripod instead....It's a good idea to read the whole of the relevant section of the camera instruction manual when trying something new. Following the instructions, I set the mirror lock function at home then went out to take some landscape shots. After setting up the whole caboodle - camera on tripod, long lens in place, remote cord in hand -I then had to dismantle the whole set up after trying in vain to guess how to clear the function. With an audience looking on.
If you are left-handed, be very careful when using the Manfrotto O55Pro tripod - the clamps on the legs will give you a painful pinch on the fingers or palm when you open them to adjust the height of the legs.
If you are planning to buy some new equipment, you might like to visit a site that has reviews of cameras, lenses, flashguns, scanners, tripods and all things photographic. These reviews are written by photographers who have bought and used the item - not by professional reviewers. They comment on all aspects and give two scores - one based on performance and one on value for money - and I found them really useful. You can add your own review if you feel like it. The address is http://www.photographyreview.com
Another useful site for advice and information is the Agfa site, which has a photo course that you can print out or read on-screen. This is at http://www.agfa.com
If you wish to make any comments about the photographs on this site, please use this e-mail link.
PS - Here's a picture of my assistant.
Now if I can only get her to carry my tripod instead....