What a GREAT idea, J-Hulk ! Just as there are ways to improve our modelling skills, there are ways that we can improve our photographic skills.
dj - I got an INCREDIBLE deal on my camera. I bought it from Abe's of Maine (located in NYC !). It was a $900 camera for $400 !
J-Hulk - the BEST thing about learning to use a digital camera is the easy learning curve. Just shoot away, trying different things. You get INSTANT results, & you NEVER have to buy film again ! Many cameras come w/ photo editing software, so you can adjust it the way YOU want it, & not the way the auto processing film development & printing GUESSES that you want it. My suggestion, in learning your new camera, is to use only the manual settings (no auto), and don't use flash. This way, you gain an understanding of what the camera is doing, and you get more control over the pic. If you need ANY help with things about the camera (new things can sometimes be confusing !), feel free to ask, I'm here to help, & I'm only a few keystrokes & a mouse-click away !
Have FUN with your new toy !