How to Shoot - Shooting Modes

On a DSLR, there are many modes you can shoot on, ranging from fully automated green square to manual:

Various Scene Modes
Green Square
Program Auto (P on Canon + Nikon)
Shutter Speed Priority (Tv on Canon, S on Nikon)
Aperture Priority (Av on Canon, A on Nikon)
Manual (M on Canon + Nikon)

The goal of anyone who wants to take great photos, hobbyist or professional, should be to shoot in either aperture-priority or manual modes. These give the best control over a photograph, resulting in the best possible shot.

A DSLR in green square mode is hardly better than a compact. You can't spend 5 grand on a camera, shoot in auto and expect results.

A good idea is to spend a few days getting a feel of the camera in green square, but to upgrade to P mode as soon as you can, and then beyond. P mode means that the camera will choose Aperture and shutter speed for you, but you have the option of playing around with other settings. Once you get used to manual of control of simple settings like focus mode, focus points, ISO and white balance (see Other Settings), you can play around with shutter speed and aperture. Shoot as much as possible, try as many things as you can, and you will slowly start to get used to how the camera works.

Just go SHOOT!!!

Cheers
Tal