Originally posted by UncleVanya Instant feedback is a powerful educational tool.
Not disagreeing, but in 1968, when I started 'serious' photography (with a borrowed Nikon F, until the college found out !), I would always note all exposure details for each frame of each film, then check the 'en-prints' (anyone remember them ?) to see how my settings had affected the images. I used Tri-X, with a few common filters - none of the images were masterpieces, or even worth keeping, but I learned for myself, which I am sure helped. As for books - read as many as you can find, dealing with all aspects of photography and image making, and don't be afraid to experiment. Some information is accurate and relevant, some is, to say the least, less than helpful (I remember advice from one book that a figure in red should be in every landscape to provide a point of interest).
HTH