Photography in the new world of Digital Cameras

I have always had an interest in being able to take stunning photographs but have only managed point and shoot shots with a mid quality camera set to "auto".  I have never really had available time to learn about photographic composition and techniques but am now in a position where I intend to spend more time learning.

I bought myself a Canon EOS 40D with a Canon EF 24-105mm 1.4 L IS USM lens and a Manfrotto tripod.  I have also bought a SONY DCR-SR220E camcorder so that I can bore the family to distraction with family videos.

For post production I have a copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 and also Photoshop CS3.  CS3 seemed too daunting to start off so I thought the more user friendly Photoshop Elements would be a better starting point.  Actually having looked at both for a short while it seems that Elements will do everything that I need and more.

So I have the kit and it remains to find out how it all works.  For that I am about to join a Camera Club and embark on the long journey towards inspired photography.