So have you had your DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) for a while now and decided to finally break it out of the box and take some pics? Or did you just get your new DSLR camera and can't wait to get started? Well, either way I'm glad you're here and hopefully I can help you out a bit to get you feeling a little more confident in your picture-taking.
Now of course I'm not going to be able to explain everything about photography right here-right now, but hopefully I can give you a few tips to get you started.

1. Take Lots and Lots of Pictures! This is one of the best ways to learn your new camera.
   Even if your pictures seem to be coming out rough, keep snapping those pictures.
   Pay attention to what works and what doesn't.
   
2. Keep a Note Pad and a Pen in Your Camera Bag at All Times.
   Eventually your goal is going to be on manual mode, but for now lets keep you on full auto mode...
   but I want you to cheat a little bit.
   Take your camera out in the day light and find a subject that is not a living thing (because this can take some time).
   In auto mode aim the camera at your subject and partially press down on the shutter button.
   Look at your LCD screen and notice the numbers on the screen.
   There is three in particular to pay attention to: one is written something like 1/30 (this is your shutter speed), one written something like F4.
   5 (this is your aperture setting or f-stop) and one that says ISO 200 or something (This is your virtual film speed).
   Write these numbers down and take a picture.
   
3. Go to a Place in the Shade and Repeat Step 2.
   Did you notice that these numbers changed? Go to a third place and do it all again.
   I know this sounds redundant but you should start to see a pattern in how these numbers change.
   Get a feel for them.
   Now I had you write these numbers down because I want you to be able to change them yourself, (read your user manual to find out how to change these settings).
   You will need to be in M mode or manual and you will probably have an ISO button and a button that has AV +/- written on it.
   These are your "go to" buttons, don't be scared you will NOT break anything by doing this.
   If you get confused, just put it back in auto mode.
   
4. Stay Eye Level when Taking Pictures of Living Subjects.
   This is one of the biggest differences between amateur and professional pictures.
   Especially when taking pictures of children and animals.
   This isn't 100% a rule, but try to stick to it as much as possible.
   
5. Watch for how Much Space is in the Picture.
   This is another dead giveaway of an amateur picture.
   If your picture is 90% background, and it's not the Statue of Liberty or Mount Rushmore back there, you need to tighten up the shot.
   

There are many other things to learn about to make your pictures look better, like Depth of Field, but that's another lesson.
For now follow these basic steps and allow yourself to get to know your camera.
DSLRs can be a little overwhelming, but they are so rewarding when you start to learn what they can truly do.