Welcome to the group. The same thing happened to me in 1953 in the Army. Mom sent me a check to buy a camera. The check bought an Argus C-3.(talk about dating yourself). Then added a used Exacta and a 4x5 Busch Pressman. Just keep adding to your knowledge. There are some web sites for reference try http://www.photography.about.com ,and the book cited is excellent. The thing to develop is a good eye for composition and color. You get that by observation of art, other photographers work and a little book time on what to look for in images.