When I got my first DSLR I was pretty clueless, watched a few youtube vids and just spent ages messing around, taking shots with different settings, a luxury you never had with the old film models. As long as you're having fun with it, you'll quickly learn what you can't get away with. Modern technology does cover a multitude of sins though.
Pretty much what I did, as long as someone is willing to learn they will be taking great pics in no time.
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