And this is the last book I brought on the weekend, gonna start it on the weekend...

I'm sceptical about learning the non-technical aspects of photography from a book or magazine. for technical basics (like shutter speed, aperture, film types, colour management, lense types and characteristics etc.) books are necessary and good reference (e.g. Andreas Feininger, The Complete Photographer ). for the more artistic aspects it is good to join a local class or workshop with a "good" photographer (in Germany at least there are now also plenty of local photo clubs sharing knowledge and equipment at fair prices...)

That's the problem here there aren't enough photo clubs and classes, hell we don't even have community colleges... Everything comes at a high price nothing cheap or for free... It's a bummer!

perhaps you have a co-enthusiast to do things together, f.i. sharing a model or a studio - but if  even this doesn't work you have to stick to good books (magazines follow to much the waves of fashion, I even do not trust test reports....)

Tx for your input! I'll stick to the books then!

That book you got there by Lee Frost is an excellent start (I have the same book), most magazines cover the same subjects as the book and then recycle them 12 month later. 

Books are great resources for info, and magazines are good for keeping up with the latest tips and techniques, but as mentioned, human interaction can provide the best learning environment.

Yeah I  agree with the above comments and there is no doubt that the human element is by far the best way to learn.. But also the internet should not be forgotten and most of the advice is free, and here in the forum as well..

Very good point Danny, there is certainly a wealth of knowlege on the WWW, and lots of tutorials. Plus feedback from nice people like us! ;^]

lovely lovely nice ppl! Tx!!!