Shutterspeeds, Apertures and Tripods

Today is another experimentation day. This time not with Photoshop, but with my camera.

I am conscious that I succumb to the temptation of leaving my camera on auto, or one of the ready programmed modes. Today I tried playing with different apertures, shutter speeds and lighting to try and see what effects I could come up with

Still feel a little intimidated by the whole aperture and shutterspeed thing, so think more practice is needed, but don't think this is too bad for a first attempt

What are your thoughts? Comments as always are greatly appreciated