How did you learn to use your dSLR?

clevebride2006

We have had our dSLR (Nikon D60) for 1.5 years and I fully admit that I don't know how to use any of it except to take pictures in the Auto mode and macro mode. (We also have a 5yo Canon Powershot P&S and are in the market to purchase a Canon S95 or S100).

I want to be able to take better pictures, especially with some upcoming large travels we have.

For pictures with lots of natural light, both cameras (P&S and dSLR) are great. Great quality, great pictures. However, I really struggle with low-light situations when my pictures look grainy and blurred.

I really think I need to learn the ins and outs of my dSLR and use it more towards its potential. I constantly see "f/2.2", aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white noise balance, RAW image, etc and I have no idea what these all mean.

Can someone point me to some "for dummies" websites or books I can purchase to help me understand all of this? 

XSailoretteX

I learned a lot from Photo.net

This [Aperture. Shutter Speed, and ISO] is a good article to start to understand the basics of what goes into making a properly exposed photograph.

It is all a bit technical, but I think that's really necessary to understand what is going on and being able to control it. The other thing that you can do is read the manual that came with your camera. I know that sounds horribly boring, but it will tell you most of what you need to know once you have a good hold on the concept of how the equation of aperture + shutter speed + ISO works.

Join a good photo forum. I really like dpreview's forums myself. Just like on The Nest, each forum kind of has its own level of snark but overall the people are really nice. I was a regular over there for years.

Set it to manual mode and play around. A lot. 

clevebride2006

Thank you, will look into the links.

misschristinec

I enjoyed www.edibleperspective.com/photography

She generously shares a few tutorials and explains photography basics... don't get sidetracked by her amazing food shots!

 

+v+

If you have a good camera store by you, they may have free seminars.  That's how I learned the very basics.  But then I took a class that I paid for (you can look at your local colleges and such for continuing ed classes).  I also bought some books, but I am not good at reading about doing things.  I hear that Understanding Exposure is a great one though.