just offering an opinion to TS. why not u join PSS course. they have basic digital camera course and i find it quite extensive enough. hell, even me touching the camera and shooting lots of pictures still i missed out some good pointers n tips. u bring ur dslr to the class n they teach as u touch ur dslr. i've seen all different ages, background, academic n at the end of the course, everyone learns. they even hv outings for practical. i'm not promoting them but the way i read through and with all the bros here giving directions n guides, u still seems to not catch up enough. try it, i strongly recommend u. it covers from basic functions, travel photography, pp with ps, flash photography, studio lightings, night photography n all the works. then maybe you'll be thinking to join the intermediate class.........anyways, i'm still going through the course. with the course and some field guidance from the CS members, u'll get somewhere......