newbie S2 owner wanting to learn about the joys of manual photography

[wisely_foolish]

Hello,

I have taken about 200 pictures so far and have fiddled around a bit with the exposure compensation and also P-mode from the S2 IS. So far, it is a wonderful camera for learning =D Now I believe I am ready to start learning about the more professional stuff from the camera

I was wondering is there any good websites which will let you learn about digital photography? I have been reading the forums and it all sounds great, but I dont exactly know what are f-stops, DOF etc... or how to use them. Is there some link I could go to to learn more about this?

In addition, I been trying to create this effect from the camera to no avail. I want to make the camera focus on something but blur out everything else. I've tried but I either get everything all good or everything becomes blurry. Any tips on this?

Thank you for your help

[TampaJim]

OK - YOU asked for it! This is a FREE online course in Photography. It is NOT specifically geared to digital technology - and that actually is a good thing. People really should start with learning it the "real" way and working backwards to the technology of today. Your issue isn't learning the S2, it is learning the basics.

http://www.morguefile.com/archive/classroom.php

Enjoy and don't wear yourself out. BTW, to get the most out of it - don't just read, DO the lessons. The S2 is a GREAT camera - but learning basic photography is definitely required to take full advantage of it.

[wisely_foolish]

thank you TampaJim!! that is an excellent site!!!! much appreciated :D took my camera with me out to the city yesterday and practiced lesson 1, it brings a whole new perspective to the usual holiday happy snaps