This is a very offensive post. :thumbsd:
An slr or dslr may yield poorer results if user does not know how to control the functions so it's practising & understanding. Nothing wrong with that, at least he's brave to post & ask for opinions to learn.
I'll share with what I've learnt & may not be right, if you want quality pictures, never set the ISO to auto unless it's for quick travel snaps. Shoot more & understand your cam's capabilities & limits such as results from ISO100~1600 in the same situation then compare them on your screen. Higher ISOs usually degrade colors & of course grain unless it's for the purpose in BW. So, we usually try to shoot @ the lowest ISO possible but this will be limited by lighting condition which comes into the lens on hand if it's "fast" enough (wider apertures above 2.8)
I usually aim @ the nose bridge between the eyes then re-compose.
Flash light changes WB, colors, shadow etc. so leave that later. Try to shoot with ambient light first then learn the art of flash balance control.
Have the subjects to face the light so you'll have an easier time & remember, never under direct light or you'll get hot spots & hard shadows.
Worry about the poses later.
My Sigma 50mm has an annoying MF/AF switch that often causes accidental switch over. It's a design flaw but if you're careful, it should be fine. Not sure if it's the same prob on your model.
Anyway, shoot more & ask more.