hello everyone!! I have recently became interested in photography. I always thought it was awesome and thought it would be fun but just figured it was something I was never going to be able to do.  Well now I am really interested in a learning and starting from the beginning with the basics because I have no clue what I'm doing.  I have one more semester left of college so I have no time to take classes nor do I really want to pay the prices of classes at colleges. I was just wondering if anyone had a good suggestions as to how I can learn all about photography and the best cameras to start with and all that good stuff besides taking classes at a college?  Are online classes for informative or would it be easier to do everything in face to face?  Any help would be great!! Thanks!

I wouldn't spend a dime in classes until I've exhausted all the free resources on the web, and let me tell you there are plenty!

What camera to get?  Read this thread: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/photography-beginners-forum-photo-gallery/116876-before-you-ask-what-camera.html

Other beginners questions and general concept of photography: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/photography-beginners-forum-photo-gallery/123160-tutorial-thread.html

here is also a great resource but it pertains to wedding photography mainly http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/609963

No matter what camera setup you start with, the BEST thing you can do is go out and shoot shoot shoot! 

Try and look at things with a different light and eye - when you see something you normally look at it one way. . .try 'approaching' it differently.  

A park bench with a cute child sitting on it. . .pretty normal.  Look at it that way, and then look at it from another perspective: maybe there is a tree to the right with birds in it that can be part of the 'bigger picture'. . .or maybe there are kids playing in front of the bench - see if you can bring those kids into the picture and blur them out while capturing the girl on the bench in focus. 

My basic point here, is start thinking like a photographer.  

Even if you don't have your camera with you, start looking for things like that.  And when you do have the camera, it never hurts to try!  :)

Ditto on looking at online resources before paying big bucks for classes, etc.  Join us in the photography challenges too!  And if you have a photo you want to show off but aren't sure about, start a post and say 'How could I have done this better' - we can all help each other out with lighting and composition!

:)

I absolutely agree!  There are so many informative FREE resources available that I wouldn't do any classes.

I would, however, check into workshops.  Unfortunately I just missed one that I'd love to have gone to that I WILL NOT miss next year!

http://www.nobsphotosuccess.com/

It's 3 days of learning shooting and photoshop techniques with challenges thrown in.

thanks so much ladies!!! :)