Thank you everyone for the welcome!
@Nicole
Lots of helpful stuff in the blog, I checked it earlier but overlooked some of the other stuff on there, like composition tips and things. Very nice! From what I've found, this seems like a great, maintained place to learn things- and thanks for reassuring me that digital is a legitimate medium to start with.
@Panama
I read the amazon reviews for those and I might have to pick them up, the two-volume one sounds especially helpful as a cheat-sheet type guide to have around with you. I was looking at the 'Complete Digital Photography' book, too, but I wasn't sure if that one was slanted towards people making the switch from film cameras- an introductory chapter on care, camera dissection, brief history would be nice, as well as a general breakdown of things. You know, something that touches on all elements. Do your books have that kind of stuff in them? I should probably go to a bookstore opposed to Amazon so I can find what's best for me.
@RexK
I'm thinking about a point and shoot, since for a while I'll need to get in the habit of always keeping it with me, and those seem pretty convenient for spontanious things. From what I know so far about DLSR cameras, they seem more professional, and suited good for when you KNOW what you're going to take a picture of. It would be nice to get a feel for photography and know what different things mean, and what I need before I spend money on a more professional camera. What kinds of price range would you consider good for starting out? I don't want to spend too much, since I'm just beginning something new, but I want to spend enough that I'm motivated to keep up with things. Do any of these look like they'd make a good first camera?
http://www.amazon.com/b?node=330405011 My spending range is probably around $200-300. Or do you suggest I go a little higher? What kinds of things should I look for in a first camera particularly?
@laepelba
I think that's the most imporant point to any idea-based art. Quanity over quality. If you have enough ideas, the quality will improve on its own, or there's more of a chance of you getting a few that really stand out. What are some ways to get pictures flowing? I know once I've gotten started I'll want to take pictures of everything, but at the very beginning there's a lack of direction. 'Okay, I have this camera. Lets seeee, there's some papers on the desk, no. There's a tree outside...no, that's such a stupid tree.' What are some good (i guess they're called) subjects for when you're just developing your photographer's eye?