For those embarking on the journey of mastering manual mode, here's a practical exercise to hone your skills. Select either an aperture setting or a shutter speed, and firmly commit to it. Head out on a photographic expedition with that specific setting unchanging. Your challenge is to manipulate the remaining variables of the exposure triangle to achieve a perfectly balanced exposure. This exercise provides a hands-on experience in understanding the interplay of different elements in photographic exposure, truly enhancing your manual mode proficiency.