Hello

[arnw117]

I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I am a beginning the process of learning photography. This is something that I have alrways wanted to learn. I love taking photos of people and nature. I just purchased my first digital SLR camera, an Olympus E-500. So far I have practiced on how to use the camera, but I am still unsure about much of what it takes to capture a great photograph. I am learning slowly and I actually am not sure what I should tackle first in my learning process. I would welcome any suggestions.
Thanks so much and I am excited about getting to know everyone.
Amy

[Axle]

Welcome aboard Amy! I'm Alex (aka Axle) one of the crazy canadians that run around these parts.

[SmartWombat]

Welcome, Amy

... still unsure about much of what it takes to capture a great photograph

VISION
You have to be able to see the image before you can capture it.
Then the technicalities come into play when you try to capture what you see.

For a while, when I changed to DSLR I found I was bogged down in the technical details.
While learning how to use the new camera despite over 30 years photogrpahy
So I know some of what you're going through.
4 months later, I still have to look at the top of the camera to see that I'm pushing the right buttons and changing the right settings.

[another view]

So far I have practiced on how to use the camera, but I am still unsure about much of what it takes to capture a great photograph. I am learning slowly and I actually am not sure what I should tackle first in my learning process.

Hi and welcome! Practice is the way to do it, and if you have any questions be sure to visit the Help forum. There are some good books out there to get you started as well - any particular type of photography you're interested in (as in nature, people, sports, etc)?

[Old Timer]

Welcome aboard Amy. Hope that you stick around for a long time and have a great time learning to use that new camera. The folks here are great and are always willing to help newcomers. The best way to learn that camera is take pictures. Don't worry about messing up. Just learn from each exposure what was good and what was bad. the more you take the better you get. Take pictures of the things you like family, friends, pets, flowers or what ever interest you. Don't worry about getting that classic great picture. The really good ones come when you lest expect it. Have fun with your photography that is the best advice I could give you.