Where do I start?

[big bill]

Hello Lee follow the advice given above and you will get there in the end everyone had to start somewere.
Like Roger (Ollie) said ther is always people here to offer help and advice just put up your pic with the relevent exposure details ,lens used ect wether you used a tripod or not and the members can then give you pointers on how to improve and point out where you have went wrong.
There is only one point to remember is that practice, practice and practice everyone had to start somewere ,best of luck and stick in there all good things come to those who wait

[zan]

You've got some great advice on getting started here - the only thing I would suggest is to choose a subject you are really interested in. For me, that's marine and underwater life, and I think that shows through as the photos I most enjoy taking tend to be my best photos (unless that's just my bias!).

So go out and get the hang of your camera, try shooting loads of different animals \ plants \ fungi and see what gives you the most enjoyment, and good luck!

[cia]

A pro bird photographer told me it's harder to take a great photo of a common bird as they are easily available for anybody to capture therefore expection from the viewer of the photo is high.
When I started I had a day at a Zoo with my camera. The Zoo is a great place to practice. Some of my best shots were taken at the Zoo.