I have a Canon Rebel XSi with a 50 mm lens. I find one important part of photography is learning to use all those buttons and settings on your camera. I found Helene Dujardin’s Plate to Pixel immensely helpful, but I also consult my camera’s manual when I have problems. Yes, I really do read my camera manual. Also, as cliché as this sounds, practice really does make perfect, or at least better and better. I always shoot with a tripod for stability and I only shoot with natural light.