I some times have the sam problem when its a bit dull.
I end up using the shutter priority most of the time unless its really sunny.
http://www.telsshells.com/2wd_holbeach.htm
I took these ^^^ yesterday. It was pretty bloody miserable and most were taken with 1/250 shutter speed.
I was actually sat under the trailer/rostrum for most of them.
I think with the 'basic' lenses, shutter is better unless the weather is good.