Depth of Field Doodling

As anyone who has read my profile knows, even after years of owning a DSLR, my not-so-secret guilty secret is that auto is still my best friend! However, I am determined to give him up, and none too soon, I hear you say! So today it's barbed wire! I've been experimenting with aperture priority settings, up close and personal with a barbed wire covered gate, rather to the amusement, I think, of those who have passed by :) I know - It's a tiny step but for me a significant one :) I've added another shot as an extra. Constructive criticism/advice welcome!

Much improved by seeing in LARGE, should you care to take a look!

For those of you who aren't into barbed wire, I've also added an extra of today's sunset! Also using aperture priority :)) This is straight from camera (except for a small crop to improve composition) and the sun in it is looking rather stark - any helpful hints?

Many thanks for your lovely response to yesterday's sunset blip :))

Day 58 of Blipout2015, suggested by PaulFS,  making the most of the daylight by only blipping outdoor photos until the clocks change in October.