People often ask me where to start when beginning a photography business. Should I go to YouTube, TikTok or Facebookl for my camera. Well, yes, but I HIGHLY recommend READING about photography. Old school, I know, but reading and experience are the BEST tools to learn photography. Yes, start with your owner’s manual. It’s a great source to get to know your camera. 
As far as books, the digital camera series helped me so much when I first started. I love the choices of equipment given as wells as the hacks revealed. I revisit them from time to time and still find the content useful! All four books are great, but if you’re purchasing just one, the last one is a compilation of the series. It's by far my favorite!

Sometimes it helps to start with the finish line. By that, I mean search for the images that inspire that you wouldn't mind recreating. Pinterest is a lifesaver. I also love pictures of famous people, and a Google search or star's website will deliver a plethora of ideas. Life magazines that highlight Elvis and Paul Newman are two of my favorite finds. Another find a a discount store happens to be a photo diary of Whitney Houston. The photos and layouts are amazing in this find of $3. Too, I look to Pinterest and search for well known people, young and old for inspiration. If all else fells, a Google image search will give you a great variety of pictures. 

Just start! You'll improve as you shoot. Everyone does. You can dip your toe in the water or cannonball in the deep end, but GET IN THE WATER! :)