[Phayke]

I'm interested in developing some new hobbies, photography in particular stands out to me as something that is rewarding, an endless amount of possibilities, skills, experiences, and a fresh take on the ordinary.

I've taken a few pictures here and there but I haven't gotten much further than that. There are a few reasons:

Many forms of art offer you a large amount of tools and techniques, styles and ways to achieve what you are going for. Sometimes sheer depth can distract from the simple beauty behind something. There are rules, tricks, terminology and philosophies. Are there any resources that are a good introduction to photography in general, with a focus on digital photography? (Assuming I know nothing.)

Also, the only people I've known with cameras were either the big, intimidating professional type with a bajillion types of lenses, tripods and all those other camera parts, they haven't been very approachable, and make it out either overly simple or complicated. Then there are the ones that buy cameras and use them for a couple weeks before they get tired of them, or only bring them to events, I don't think that's so much art as picture taking or getting a new gadget, and I don't want to end up like that.

Is there a good book I can buy, or some other resources for pushing off to the point where I can teach myself to progress? Many friends I've talked to have shunned the use of digital cameras it seems, but I think it might be best for learning to develop a mindset at least, and not having to worry about replacing film, getting things developed and waiting to see if a shot came out good or bad, plus the ability to make tweaks and share things instantly is nice. Should I start with a film camera? The whole thing sounds alot to me like the manual vs. automatic car transmission deal.

I know I've sort of asked a lot, but I'm really interested in this, I just want to get started correctly so that it doesn't meet the same fate as all those dusty guitars and skateboards that are practically everywhere.