Just completed a 1-day's beginners' course to familiarise myself with a DSLR (D90). specifically wanted to learn to use the thing NOT on auto (that's what the point-and-shoot is for!).
Pleased with the results, wanted to learn about Aperture Priority for depth-of-field, and Shutter Priority for freezing motion etc. HOPEFULLY, you guys can see I think I've managed both in this one shot! (and the temp was a balmy 18 deg C, so that water is captured at around 1,000th / sec, and not frozen due to sub zero temp!!)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/78166749@N06/6852205960
(Although clearly I'm clueless about getting the image to display in this post!!)