A newbie should know what kind if picture they want to take and the equipment needed to take those kind of pictures. Then they need to know how to use said equipment to get the results they want. Some of this can be taught or researched online but most will come from trial and error. The most important thing is to develop an eye for the type of images you want to produce. When you have an eye for your craft they sky is the limit you will see shots when others only see children playing, a flower in a field or a leaking faucet. Last but not least is every shot will not be wall worthy, but every shot is a lesson learned if you look closely.