Welcome! We've in a slow period right now, our moderator seems to be away enjoying the pleasures of Siggraph. Here's a collection of messages that touch on this question:

http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12416&Form.ShowMessage=772476 http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12416&Form.ShowMessage=736673 http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12416&Form.ShowMessage=718807 http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?ForumID=12416&Form.ShowMessage=685116

Another way to start is to scan the Fractal gallery here at R'osity, and note which pics appeal to you, then note down which programs are used to make them. There are plenty of tutes around, and users ready to answer questions for almost any prog you like.

Hope this helps get you started!

RosemaryR
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"This...this is magnificent!"
"Oh, yeah. Ooooo. Aaaaah. That's how it starts.
Then, later, there's ...running. And....screaming."