Where to get "lessons" for a SLR?? About This Page:

[statelady01]

I'm asking for the Nikon D 40 for Christmas (and chances are good I will behave enough that Santa will bring it)- but was wondering if I need to get a few photograpy lessons or something to use it- it does look a lot more complicated. Or, will reading the manual and playing with it be enough to get me started? Where should I look if I wanted some "training" on how to use it?

TIA!

[Tonichelle]

your Nikon should come with all auto functions...

if you have a community college near you and can afford it I highly recommend taking a photo class through them, even if you don't do much more than their digital 101 you will better understand how cameras work (outside of the bells and whistles, I'm talking the fundamentals)... most small colleges actually teach both P&S and SLR together... it's all about looking at your subject and the lighting and knowing what will and won't work.

[Cam22]

I've been doing pretty well with my Sony A100 DSLR since I got it year ago, but I've also bugged some photographer friends for more ideas on out to get the most out all my cameras options. If there were a class near us on photography, I'd jump at the chance to take it.

[modisney]

Try a local camera shop that sells Nikons. Most of the shops in my area have camera specific classes (ie: classes just for certain Nikon or Canon cameras etc.) as well as general digital classes. Some are free others around $25 or so. Taking lots! of pictures helps too as does reading the manual and other sources on photography from a bookstore or library. Take your camera to a shop and ask what the buttons, bells and whistles are. Most camera shop employees love photography as much as you and are happy to show a thing or two.

[tinker_me_happy]

We have Adult Classes at the local Voc-Tech school around here that are pretty cheap. The classes run 6-8 weeks. The other options above are great as far as going to the camera stores and getting help but this might be another option if you want to take a class. The best thing I think with the digital is you don't have buy film or pay for it to be developed to learn how your camera works!
My DS has the Nikon D40 and it is a great camera!

[duck addict]

In addition, there is now a plethora of good books on using a camera (some general some specific to model),
I know my local Barnes and Noble has a great selection.

Also, condsider attending a local camera club meeting. Talk with lots of people, and find someone who explains cameras at your level. See if they will out with you on a Sat morning, and a separate evening to show you how to use whatever camera you end up getting (Even ask around your fellow teachers... there may be a camera guru among them)

[Tonichelle]

meetup.com has a lot of photo groups, chances are your area is on there I'm a member of the local one here... though I've been to a dismal one event so far lol