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Have fun OP. A good way to learn is to check the history of photography, it's not too long and the artists that withstood the test of time are usually worth yours. Find artists you like and you'll find more like it. Try to find words why you like them and try to copy their techniques, your own voice will develop with time, inspiration and your soul. Check with good contemporary photographers and you will recognize a lot of patterns that were created over time. Invest in photobooks, if you have the money. Give yourself small assignments and shoot regularly.
The most important, although advanced, thing to me is being able to shoot a coherent series and not just snapshots. Find a theme, be it subjective, objective or even scientific in nature. This gives photography value beyond snapshots, creates a goal for you and can be about absolutely everything.
Gear is fun, but does not matter that much. You can take good pictures with anything and technical excellence does not have to mean better pictures (though you can find yourself limited by your gear). Different gear can create different results, similar to different instruments having a unique sound.
/p/, Instagram or other photography boards are shitholes and feedback is very limited, please don't get discouraged on the internet. Photography can be pretty lonesome but also very rewarding and the key to adventures and memories.