Welcome on APUG. I am sure you will learn a lot here - I certainly have. As others have said, self-taught can be tough going and challenging, but also very rewarding. On the other hand, one does learn a lot by first-hand observation and being guided by someone more experienced. Do take up Ian on his offer if you can. Apart from that, look at many photographs, and ask many questions. Buy a few good books (there is some good advice on this forum on which ones are worthwhile) and most importantly, practice regularly and systematically. Then you will only get better, and you will enjoy it more, too.