Hi Michelle! Good to see you've joined in..... being there is much more fun than voyeurism, so to speak! About a year ago I asked the forum pretty much the same question. My job rules out college coz of the hours, and a correspondence course is also a bit too expensive (300+), so I'm learning the hard way, purely by messing about and getting experience. Just my opinion, but these are a few things that have helped me; 1. Use your library. Read, read, read. I didn't at first and even simple language here like f-stops got me confused, even though I was taking half-decent pictures. I think. 2. I have made 3 purchases for my computer which have helped enourmously. Memory (I now use 360mb coz the higher quality pics EAT resources) a bigger HD - coz they eat that too - and a graphics tablet....mine's just a small one (3" x 4") but it makes things SO much easier. 3. Beleive in yourself. I took some pictures to work that I had done that people said were good. I've recently had a lull and questioned myself and how good I am - then I found that my pictures had gone missing at work while I was off sick..... nasty, you may think? Not really....if someone liked them enough..... (actually, found out just last night that a friend took them home, but only because they overheard someone saying they were gonna take them....still a BIG compliment!!!) 4. As Alpha says, take pictures. Then some more. My camera, big as it is, goes most places with me, coz you always see that good shot when it's at home...... Hope you get there!!! Mike (",)