I'm a complete begginner and I have never taken a course or any such thing in photography. I'm trying to learn in my free time between the university work. If you want to say you think something is awful just say so I value honesty and I'm not easily offended. I hope to get better. I believe (just for myself) that fancy digital camera's and photo manipulation although creates inspiring and beautiful work takes something away from a really great shot. I like to take a shot on a day that isn't perfect and a camera that isn't perfect and convey something through it anyway. Now of course I will learn how to do all these things and develope skills but thats what I really want to achieve at the end of the day.