vanzo1234

Good Morning:

I am ready to learn more about using my digital camera (Nikon D3300). I've read the books now I would like to take a beginners course to put it into practice.

I am in Long Branch, NJ.

Thanks
Van

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

Welcome to the forum. Here is a good start for you and the best part is they are free. Be sure to click on the view lessons and scroll down, there are quit a few individual lessons.

http://en.elephorm.com/photography/dslr.html

vanzo1234

Thanks Wayne

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Your camera is an excellent entry level DSLR with 24 megapixels and was voted by one photographic magazine as the very best entry level camera for 2016. The above link by Wayne T is a good link. Remember your D3300 does not have the internal focus motor, so you may want to be somewhat selective on lenses. Manual lenses work just fine too. Welcome to the forum too.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

What you plan on doing is the first step in understanding the basics of photography. What you just did was the first step in understanding your camera. Keep the instructions book handy because you will have to make reference to it often.
I have always recommended to those new to photography to first understand the photographic principles before beginning shooting. For the photographer it is important to understand the basics of exposure and how to meter, what apertures and shutter speed do and how to compose a photograph to make it more pleasant to the eye.
There are many tutorials in the Internet and also excellent books that teach those principles. Pay particular attention to metering the subject because the tendency is to set the camera in an AUTO mode and let the camera do the job. Eventually you will discover that you are in total control when using the MANUAL mode.
Good luck!

JML Arlington Loc: Arlington, TX USA

For a 'Photography 101' class, I REALLY like John Greengo's "Fundamentals of Photography" class at www.creativelive.com

His use of illustrative graphics is without equal in my experience.

Greengo also offers a 'Fast Start' class that is D3300 specific at https://www.creativelive.com/courses/nikon-d3100-dslr-fast-start?via=class-list-collection_4. I purchased his Fast Start class for my D750 and it it wonderful.

Enjoy!

lngroller

ugggghhhh, I just canceled a photo shoot up that way due to lack of participation, a bit north west of you but less than an hours drive...

jim quist Loc: Missouri

Check out your local colleges and see what they are offering

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Van,
Here are some links to free training and videos that will help -
This one is quick with examples to show the basics: Understanding Digital Photography

This offers Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced training: BEGINNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Good, comprehensive training package: Digital Photography Tips and Tutorials for Beginners

I would recommend reviewing these and get a feel for what some of the training will cover - then if you want, there are on-line, interactive schools available.

Enjoy -
Dave

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Assuming that a shared and guided learning experience is desired I completely agree. I have a friend who teaches such courses. Her biggest frustration is the people that don't actually want to learn or do the exercises that she sets, or delete pictures so that a discussion of how to improve can't take place.

Unfortunately some people seem to think that they can take a beginner's course with a P&S - or better - camera and become Ansel Adams or Annie Leibovitz by the end of a course that they don't even follow properly.

But, for the OP, I would definitely consider a local college course.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Like all things 'photographic' classes can be expensive or merely rehashed from free sources on the internet. Try looking at online magazines and free online photography sites. Try the tutorials - it will teach you something whether or not it is instantly 'what you want'. The advice I was given was to join a local club - however they are only as good as the people there. The odd question may get an answer but few do 'photo shoots' with help and advice on a regular basis. There is a competitive element however, when outside judges give give great constructive criticism of each image...this is a great learning situation even if at first it makes you feel a little inadequate.
I looked at college training: nothing beyond what button does what! as a night class....There are set diplomas in photography but these are day time courses leading to a specific diploma etc.
There are many sites that email you '10 ways to improve your.......technique' these are often free but will fill up your email. Again they are rehashed from elsewhere and tend to loop (repeat) fairly quickly.
The net is a fantastic resource - See where Google takes you..Pick and bookmark the sites that appeal to YOU. Some are high-brow some are aimed at teens. As only you know what sort of images you want to create it is difficult to specify, However there is a list of resources on UHH..to make a start on! Search at the top of the page.
Have fun

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

The web is an excellent resource, with many excellent tutorials, but nothing can equal good personal interaction with a good instructor. The issue is whether a local college actually has a good instructor. Many do, so don't discount them.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

If you want to learn more about the camera, consult the manual.
If you want to learn more about photography, take a photography course.
The two aren't necessarily connected. But you need to know both to mage good images which is usually the ultimate goal!!! Good luck.
SS

mikenolan Loc: Lincoln Nebraska

Camera manuals don't always explain things very well, at least not for beginners.

I found the Dummy's guide to my camera model did a pretty good job covering things, complete with pictures. Is it a substitute for hands-on training from a good instructor? No, but if you pair it with taking LOTS of photos, it's a good starting point for learning the technical aspects of photography and the specifics of your camera.