Suggestions for good instructional websites?

[a la izquierda]

I really don't know what I'm doing with my camera. I've never taken a class or had a good tutorial on photography. So, can anyone suggest some places that will offer basic instructions? I've used the Google, but haven't been too satisfied with what I've found. I also have no software that I've really worked with, only iPhoto.

Thanks in advance and cheers.

[ManiacJoe]

1. Need more info.

What camera do you have?
What kind of instructions are you looking for? General photography vs camera specific?

[a la izquierda]

2. Derp, stupid me.

I should not post while ill.

I have a Nikon D3200. I need just basic photography instructions. Then I'll figure out the camera. I've never had much time to study photography, but I will be traveling next year and hope to document my journeys and possibly take still photos for my book.

[ManiacJoe]

4. For Nikons, I am a big fan of Nikonians.org

http://www.nikonians.org
The D3200 forum is free to all users. Some other parts require paid membership to post in, but all reading is free. Probably one of the best $25 per year you can spend.

Lots of good general articles in the "resources" section.
http://www.nikonians.org/reviews?alias=guides-how-to-tips-and-tricks

Nikon also has a quick tutorial on using the D3200:
http://www.nikondigitutor.com/eng/d3200/index.html

[a la izquierda]

5. Thank you! Nt

[Adsos Letter]

15. Thanks from me, also.

I have a D5100 I could certainly use some instruction on (plus basic principles of photography)..

[RC]

3. Google the web site of the camera maker for photography tips

Till then put in on Automatic and take pictures. Close shots, distance shots. Composition first. Use the auto focus.
Try to see the picture you want, them put that picture in the viewfinder and press the shutter.
The more you use the camera, the better you will be. Don't let other people's "Great" pictures intimidate you. Not all that supposedly are, are. Just because someone says it is, doesn't necessarily make it so. If you like it, it is a good picture.

BTY, What kind of camera do you have? Kinda hard to give advice without that info. A simple point and shoot or a DSLR, or something between?

My default picture software is Irfanview. Small, fast, simple to use and does all the basic stuff. Don't forget the plugins.
http://www.irfanview.com/

And for the heaver lifting, I use Photoscape. A bit more complex, but not real too bad. Much more powerful.
http://www.photoscape.org/ps/main/index.php

Both are free to download and use.

Check this out for what other people conciser good pictures.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10363057

[a la izquierda]

6. Thanks.

I use a Nikon D3200. I can never remember F number values, iso numbers...

Thanks for the suggestions.

[alfredo]

8. Here's some videos that might help

f stop

ISO

shutter speed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_51279&feature=iv&src_vid=P9-fifSFxQw&v=b8cCnuTNaic

composition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_681365&feature=iv&src_vid=b8cCnuTNaic&v=_VRwyZ2CPQw

[RC]

9. I don't bother too much with those either.

I set my camera for a maximum ISO number that doesn't show too much noise in the picture, about 6400 on my Canon t3i. The camera can automaticly use anything up to ISO 6400, then.
The rest, I let the camera worry about, even though I can use it on full manual, if I wish
Remember, you are smarter than your camera. Don't let it intimidate you.

[rdking647]

7. this one

http://www.photographytalk.com/

[Sherman A1]

10. That one is good and I also

check out Adorama's tutorials from time to time. There are a bunch of sites about and YouTube has some good stuff as well.

[Stevenmarc]

13. And B&H Photos event space videos

[a la izquierda]

11. This is why photography is my favorite forum

You're all super helpful.
Thanks!

[justiceischeap]

12. Go to YouTube and do the following search

"photography tutorials"

You'll find some decent instruction on there.

Also, if you are willing, look into Meetup.com for local photography meetups in your area. I belong to several groups in my area and shooting with better photographers has helped me improve my knowledge of how to photograph certain situations. It's also a good source of review from other photographers.

Sometimes you can also find photo walks with pro's that help you out with basic instruction. I've found the best way to learn about your camera, I shoot a D5100, is to shoot, shoot, shoot. The great thing about digital is once you make the initial outlay, your photography costs are pretty darn cheap, so shoot a lot.

[DrDan]

14. lots of good stuff here - you need to poke around a bit

http://www.youtube.com/bandh

for example - "The 15 Features of Your DSLR That Every Photographer Should Know"

haven't watched that particular one - but the title seemed to fit your request. I have watched a few and really enjoyed them.