LA_Sportsman
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I found John Shaw's "Landscape Photography" and "Nature Photography" for both exposure tips and composition.
I ditto the idea about a journal. I keep a journal of "Lessons Learned" (military SOP) that I read before I go on shoots, especially if it's been a while. Some tips will ingrain to habit more quickly than others. Examples that I've written in my journal are "always check ISO upfront; turn VR off on tripod; etc." I just use a small Rite in the Rain pad that slips in the outside of my camera bag.
Exposure is easy - composition is much more the life long journey. Although exposure is fun when you know the basics and pay the thinking game of how to deal with difficult light conditions such as using the spot meter to shoot military jets.
I shot the DC fireworks from the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington this weekend. My biggest joy was adapting quickly during a 15 minute shooting opportunity to solve the problem of properly exposing the monument without overexposing the fireworks. (I was shooting bulb with 2-3 second exposures and would fire in the slight gaps to give the monument time to expose properly before the fireworks exploded.) My photos aren't award winners and I'm mad at myself for a couple mistakes but I did get a several great shots and I love the mental challenge especially in a dynamic situation where you get it right or go home empty handed in a very short time.
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