The best way to improve your photography is to practice. Another way that is helpful for me is to read, read, and read some more. I'm obsessed with reading other photography blogs to help me on my journey to a successful career as a photographer. One blog I came across is Digital Photography School created by Darren Rowse. Last month I purchased one of their e-books, Photo Nuts and Bolts: Know Your Camera and take better photos, by Neil Creek. This book is very informative for the beginning photographers who want to get more creative and advanced with their photos. It gives a general overview of photography basics such as Exposure and Stops, Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and white balance. Because it's an e-book, the authors have links to their blog for more in-depth reading. At the end of each chapter there are assignments that you can do and they encourage you to share your "homework assignments" on their forum. I enjoyed reading this book. It clarified alot about basic photography that I had learned taking a class here and there but never really grasped.
I would highly recommend checking out the website and blog for helpful dSLR tips as well as tips on how to improve your photography.
