robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

If you are starting with the telephoto zoom I have an idea.
Are the things it won't auto focus up close? Most tele zooms don't focus very close at all, many are in the 8-10 foot range.
Look up each lens you have on Google or the makers site and read the specs, it will tell you how close it will focus.

A good general digital photography book to start with is "Tony Northrup's DSLR Book: How to Create Stunning Digital Photography" which covers basics to mid level on several topics and has several videos available. You can get it for Kindle or Nook for about $10 and around $20 in paper back. The e-book versions have the videos as links in the text.

Then beyond that are books by Brian Peterson and Scot Kelby. Once you get past those there are many good advanced books.

Which ever you go with just remember to shoot a lot of photos to learn each technique you are trying to learn. Digital isn't like the days of film, you can shoot hundreds of shots, look at them on your computer and delete the bad ones to reuse the memory cards.

Also you will need (if your don't already have) some type of Post Processing/Editing application(s) on your computer. You can do your "lab work" on your computer with out the chemicals like I had back in the day. And the digital PP goes into things impossible or nearly impossible to do in a dark room in the old days.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Set the camera on automatic or program or whatever the Canon equivalent is and start taking photos. Learn the exposure triangle. Pick up Understanding Exposure: 4th edition by Bryan Peterson, a recommended classic. That will go a long way to understanding photography and your camera. Get a good instruction manual that goes beyond your manual.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Some lens have an on/off switch for "auto focus". Does yours? Is it on?

Also, did you ck focus on something, distant? You can be too close to a subject.

Welcome to the forum!!
Pat

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Katelin, welcome to the Hog!
If you don't master your camera, right out the gate, it will master YOU!
Here's how I've solve that problem......
I put it in a pillow case and dip it into the toilet for about 15 seconds, right when I'm pretty sure the camera is completely exasperated I take it out and slam it onto the tile floor two or three times.....HARD!! That usually does it and I check the pillow case, if there is any protest movement at all, I slam it two more times......, after which it's always as gentle as a mouse on two Valiums.
Put the camera onto onto Auto mode(the little green square) and it will do ANYTHING you want it to do!!!
Again, welcome to the Hog and happy taming!!!
SS

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Reading the manual is the best way to learn your camera, as well as perhaps reading a book on the camera.

papa Loc: Rio Dell, CA

Hahahahahahhaahahahahhaaaaaaah. Start where you're at. It's called the beginning. Read the owner's manual and get a recent book on basic digital photography or search online. There are a lot of fine free courses to get you rollin'. And welcome to a new way to see.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

The guidebooks that walk you through the camera functions are worth it - when I bought my 70D I purchased a 10-part video tutorial that was well worth it. And if your telephoto zoom won't focus - probably you are too close to your subject.... Welcome to the Hog. You can post photos as you learn - they do not have to be masterpieces - fun, funny, interesting - whatever. You can get tips for making them better, and an occasionally snarky and unwarranted comment - ignore them.

AND by the way - you will want to get a basic photo editing program such as Photoshop Elements that will allow you to crop your photos and adjust brightness and contrast, and otherwise tweak the photos. This is referred to as "PP" or post-processing. As opposed to "SOOC" - straight-out-of-camera.

karenmr

I started with the same camera, same mystery objects. I bought the Canon t6 for dummies and read through the whole book. It was daunting at first, but it helped me immensely.Amazon sells them used . I have since upgraded to the EOS 80 and purchased a similar book for that camera also. Just take it one function at a time.I would be happy to help you with any questions.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

I say read the manual but they are useless as a learning guide and technically abstract. Run to a book store like Barns&Nobel and look for two books(read them there if money is an issue);
Understanding Exposure - Bryan Peterson great book on basics
A specific book devoted to the t6

YOUTUBE!!!!!!!!!!
put cannon t6 in search and watch the video(s)

Example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsCrgCCz3ds

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

It's called a MANUAL, get to know it. Also, you can google this "operating the Canon Rebel T6", you'll be surprised at what you'll learn. Plus, you can hire me for a whole day, I'm cheap, $1000.00 plus travel.

fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your new camera.

anotherview Loc: California

Reading the camera manual means putting the cart before the horse. In this reverse, the manual presumes the understanding of the terms and techniques which the budding photographer seeks.

Alternative approach: Set the manual aside. Attend a workshop in the basic operation of a DSLR. As well, attend a workshop in basic photo-editing. These two workshops will give you a foundation and a confidence to build on. They will also shorten your learning curve.

Online tutorials can help to explain techniques. A simplified, plain-word book for your camera from a third party can hold your hand while you learn camera operation.

Study composition. Learn the Exposure Triangle and the importance of subject.

Keep in mind that photography functions as a craft. This fact means that one learns photography by practicing it over time.

Take many photographs, and learn from your mistakes and your successes.

leftj Loc: Texas

That's silly advice. The camera sleeps after a very short period plus you're not going to run out of juice that quickly unless you are going out with a nearly depleted battery.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Kate, I've found the biggest issue is people trying to learn everything at once. Try working through each aspect of the camera's capabilities one at a time. Stick with each until you completely understand that aspect, then move to the next.
--Bob

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

A Nikon guy pimping for Canon - my heart be still! :)