Paul,
I do understand how to achieve the depth of field I want using larger/smaller aperture sizes ... but where I am still 'stumped' is if someone were to give me a focal length to work with (as in the 'personal projects' .... I just can't wrap my head around it! If I choose a particular focal length, then does that automatically influence all the other settings??? ..... aaaaggggghhhh!! (Lenita tears hair out at this point!!!)