Photography techniques

I'm in the process of relearning the camera. It's so easy to buy a DSLR and let it do all the work aka turning the dial to the little green box. Which is great in some instances, but I've noticed the little green box isn't all that creative. Maybe that's why it's a box. :-/ And some photographers swear by it, but I think they're only limiting themselves. While amazing photography is about the artist and not the tools, it always helps to know how the tools work too. :)  Both of these photographs are two combined into one; foreground and background. While they are boring subjects, it's all about the practice that I know will enhance my work in the future. I'm also including the specs; another great habit. In flipping through the specs of past photos it reminded me of the rude awakening one gets while counting calories in the food they eat. f/4.5 is my equivalent to the donut! :-/

glass: ISO 100 13.0 sec at f/22, 50mm
background: ISO 100 1/13 sec at f/1.8, 50mm

Sedona rock: ISO 100 6.0 sec at f/22, 50mm
background: ISO 100 1/4 sec at f/4.5, 50mm