My bent is to encourage learning. Why so many want to gather around trees or hide behind branches etc. escapes me. Look for natural settings or pose without a discernible background. Lots of great equipment. Now scan the net and find how to make better use of it. Here are some suggestions:
Aperture, shutter and ISO value | SLR Camera Simulator:
Aperture, shutter and ISO value | SLR Camera Simulator
Online Depth of Field Calculator:
Online Depth of Field Calculator
Top 8 Digital Photography Magazine List | FreeDigitalPhotographyTutorials.com:
Top 8 Digital Photography Magazine List | FreeDigitalPhotographyTutorials.com
Nature, Wildlife and Landscape Photography Resource:
Nature, Wildlife and Landscape Photography Resource
Digital Photography Tips: Digital Photography School:
Digital Photography Tips: Digital Photography School
HAPPY NEW YEAR and Good Luck