I just started getting into DSLR photography earlier this summer and I have been overwhelmed to say the least. The features that today's cameras have can really confuse a begginer like myself. Fortunately I have access to Lynda.com through my father-in-laws business.
For the last couple weeks I have been watching Ben Long's video series - Foundations of Photography: Exposure. This is an amazing training series that is very easy to to follow. If you are a newb to photography like me I highly recommend taking a spin with this series. Two weeks ago I was stuggling to get the shots I wanted even in auto mode. Now, I am still struggling, but at least I have a clue as to what I'm doing. I even ventured into manual mode the other day and came away with a decent shot.
Ben's teaching style is very straight forward. He spoon feeds you a little at a time while building upon the previous lesson with a little bit more in the next. Lynda.com runs $25 a month and is well worth it if you don't have free access. They also have a TON of Photoshop tutorials as well. I'm getting pretty stoked about photography now and just wanted to share in case there might be some other newbs who are getting discouraged.