I'm an amateur photographer and I'm not sure how to set my camera to shot other than program setting. When I shoot in program, it is underexposed using my 18-55 vr lens. I'm just wanting to get a good shot so I can get excited about this photography thing. Can you suggest any books, dvd's etc to get also.

Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure (book) is highly recommended by folks around here. It will help you learn the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which is absolutely key to learning to take great photos.

You should definitely learn to shoot in the other modes, aperture priority, shutter priority, and especially manual. You'll also want to learn how using the different metering modes - spot, center, and matrix - can effect the exposure of your photos. Learning the basics of exposure isn't difficult, but takes practice.

If you can post one of your underexposed photos with the EXIF data, we might be able to figure out why your photos are underexposing.

Garrett

stuff: D300, 17-35 f2.8, 35-70 f2.8, 50 f1.8 AIS

and: D70, 18-70 f3.5-4.5, 70-300 ED f4-5.6

This is my Nikonians gallery.

Hi Jerry,

Welcome to Nikonians!
As Garrett recommended Understanding Exposure is a great choice to get you up and running in Manual exposure mode.
You will find some usefull information at the following link: http://www.dtowntv.com/ The free videos cover a wide range of topics using Nikon cameras.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty