What are some tips for taking photos/photography-for amateurs?

Keep your lens at the subjects eye level. Only use the flash when necessary, learn how to sut it off. Train your eyes to recognize good lighting, study paintings and movies for composition and lighting. Get a tripod. Get a remote shutter release. Get close to your subject, don't be shy. You have a fine camera, all cameras are tools, in the right hands any camera can take super photos. Have fun with yours.