wjames Loc: Australia

hi and welcome.......I was college trained and can spot any photographers
work who isn't. Not to say i am any better than they are as there is some really beautiful work out there by untrained professionals. Some people are lucky and some have a natural seeing eye ,but you can always tell someone has or has not had training.........My Father always said " the horse is education-----the Jockey is Experience". It dosen't mean you cant learn from experience alone . It just takes a lifetime to do so.
When i started out working for a wedding photographer(self taught)at a young age ,i thought i was learning from him everything, but i could never understand why filters didn't work for me and he couldn't tell me. After 5 years working with him i decided to go to uni and learn photography.
My very first day i learned in 4 hours what i couldnt learn in 5 years from him. For instance, filters only work when at right angles to the sun. im 77 now and have just bought my first digital nikon.
Ps. Im still learning.

nitrophil Loc: Dayton, Ohio

I have taken a few photo courses in my time, personally, tjey didn't make much difference for me. just go out and use your camera, that's the best class you can give yourself! have fun with it!

creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

Welcome and enjoy

SoHillGuy Loc: Washington

Welcome!

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Welcome aboard. Apart from your camera's manual. I would buy "Canon EOS Rebel T3i/600D for Dummies" by Julie Adair King. You can buy it on Amazon and is relatively cheap. In the final analysis remember practice makes perfect. Shoot, shoot, shoot. You learn by your mistakes.

larry jr Loc: Houston TX

This site members are amazing. Thank you all for replying to my inquiry. I wont ponder on DVD's or a course in photography at least not before taking owners manual in hand and my camers set on auto and go out and shoot a card at various settings. It sounds so basic doesn't it, but sometimes I get ahead of myself with so many features and options the DSLR offers. I like this site and I'm happy we met. I hope some day that I can reply to another members inquiry. Till then, Ive got a lot to learn.
Thanks Everybody,
Larryjr

Bartulius Loc: Bristol, Ct

Hello & welcome aboard.
My advice--follow all the advice above.
Never pass up a photo op.

lovelylyn Loc: Fort Wayne, IN

Hello Larry jr I know your going to love it here. Yes I've taken a course at my local university in the continuing study enrichment course. The class was called "Getting to Know your SLR Camera". It was a 7 week class taught by a gentleman that has been in various forms of visual media for over fifty years.
The course covered all of the buttons, dials, menus and how they work together. It really helped me understand how to begin to get the most out of my camera. I plan to take another one soon. There is a local camera store here that sponsors workshops on a variety of photography subjects from lighting to sports photography. Many on location like nature preserves to ball games. I'm loving it. May have some in your area. Good shooting!

hotglassguy Loc: Jeffersonville, IN

Best advice is to take the camera out and shoot, shoot, shoot.

Warning! Don't let the technical side of photography bog you down. This is a very technological art and if you faithfully read this forum you could get discouraged. Remember, it is like eating an elephant -- one bite at a time. Start with the automated features for exposure and focus and get comfortable with your camera. Then start to venture into the "creative" features. It just gets better as you go.

There is a wealth of videos in youtube and elsewhere that are free and will help you along. If I were to say buy one book I would recommend Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure". It is available in stores and on Amazon.

You have a great adventure in front of you. Enjoy the heck out of it!

AuntieM Loc: Eastern NC

Welcome. Photography to me is like skeet shooting. You have to be comfortable with your equipment, and practice, practice, practice. I love Bryan Peterson books, and have several. He puts things into plain English for you. The other thing is to post some of your photos that you don't like, but are not sure why you don't like them. The people on this forum will give you lots and lots of pointers, and explain to you how to correct things that you are doing. There's no easy answer to your question, but above all else, you need to have fun.

larry jr Loc: Houston TX

Thanks to all of you. Thanks for the guidance and the encouragement. It's up to me now.
Larryjr

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

Hi Larry, welcome to the hog. In answer to your question, and probably have gotten the same answer, read the how to books, but while you are reading, have the camera in front of you and do as the how to books tell you. But, start using the camera.....! That is the best way to learn. Believe me, you wont screw up the camera itself. You can always revert back to the original defaults..... And yes, also ask questions here. There are plenty of people that will give you a direct answer. But above all.........HAVE FUN.
Rich