Miranda

Okay, I'm 14. and I love taking pictures. I don't think it's something I would want to make a living off of. But I love just doing it for the fun of it. But here are the things I need help with.

1. What lense should I buy- I have a Nikon D3000 camera. and the lense that came with it- 18-55mm.

2. How do I get better at it? Take a class on line?

3. I also want to learn what certain things my camera does.

Any additional information would be awesome.

Clancey

1. If you are just learning then stick with the 18-55 kit lens until you have a good grasp of your camera and its functions. It's not the greatest lens in the world but it's good enough to start.

2. The first step is to just sit down with the manual and camera, and start reading very carefully through it. Nikon manuals are average and for that level of camera they do give a good bit of detail of what the different features are and when to use them. Forget about the class on line to start...just have your camera in your hands a lot in the beginning. If you're watching tv, or have any meaningless down time, be fiddling with it and taking pictures even if they are complete garbage and keep grabbing that manual and try to understand and use the features the camera offers. It is only by hands on use and experimentation you will really learn the thing properly from a technical standpoint.

3. Again...the manual is one of your best resources...it might be dry and boring but it's about as simple of explanation of the camera function that you may find without too much information clutter.

BruceM

The lens you have should do you well for quite some time. Pick up one of the books that are out there on basic photography such as Basic Digital Photography and work with it from the fist chapter.
When you have a chance to take a photo class in school that would be fun as well. The on line and mail order classes are not worth the cost right now. Also, take the time to read and learn from the camera manual that came with the camera kit as well.

ForlornHope4251

depends what you want to shoot... try a 70-200+mm lens for wildlife... or a macro lens for close up stuff...

learn through trial and error - not like you are short of time...

read the manual for the camera... and check out stuff online... the internet is filled with stuff...