Confidence is a huge asset to have in the production of good images and the first road to attaining good confidence is to have a total, comprehensive understanding of all that your camera is capable of, by studying its manual. Only then, can you be confident enough to go out and shoot subjects, without having to go back and check 'the book'; however, you should keep it close by, if not just for reference.
You want to have the ability to know and use every switch and button at a moment's notice. Only then too, can you begin to learn the finer points of putting together a good compositional design with correct exposure.
Get used to using your lens and focusing system. Take your camera with you wherever you go. Let it become an extension of yourself, and you of it. Only then can you think about getting serious.
Before you go rushing off like a bull out of a gate, there are a few home truths about photography that you should also understand.
It is not my intention to put you off but you can't expect to become proficient at it overnight. Like anything else you take on, you have to be able to crawl before you can walk and there will be a lot of upsets along the way. Your successes and failures will resemble a giant roller coaster ride, with lots of ups and downs, but you can expect more downs than ups.
You don't have to be gifted to learn photography, just be tolerable and have patience. And yes, the word patience will soon become very familiar to you. Adopt your own unique style but take the time to first listen to others. Follow their advice, get it right and then adapt that advice to your own way of doing things.
To help you gain more knowledge of the many diverse sides of photography, get online and you can't go wrong in joining your local camera club. There you can mix with people with like-minded interests, be encouraged to shoot all different subjects in various projects and you'll learn a lot from just talking to people and attending their workshops and field trips, or just having a chat on the side. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most qualified photographers, professionals, and enthusiasts alike love what they do and they love to share their experience with those who also express a common interest in this great pastime.
