Making better photographs?

I'm teaching myself photography and hope to actually take a college course for it soon. I would love to start my own business in family and pet photography one day.

I just can't seem to get that nice soft glow in my pictures. The colour in my pictures and on skin tones is drabby looking. I have a Nikon D5200 and only use manual. I know the jyst of ISO/shutter speed/aperature and I do everything outdoors. I pay attention to my light meter and I do change up the WB.

I know a lot of professionals take lights and reflectors and such but even without those they're pictures are spectacular. It can't be photoshop every time.

I have yet to purchase a good quality photo editing program so for now I use a free one on my computer for general brightness, warmth and sharpness. I usually transfer to my phone to upload on my social media (nobody else to share with) and they look even worse.

Any good tips or websites to get the white balance and colour right?

Thanks!

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Macro lens for Nikon D5100?

Which lens would capture better macro images on the nikon D5100: Sigma 150mm f2.8 EX OS DG Macro Lens - Nikon AF OR Sigma 105mm f/2.8 OS EX DG Macro HSM Lens - Nikon AF?

(e.g http://500px.com/photo/83624085/salticidae-by-hua-ming-lee)

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Cant transfer pictures from my nikon d3100?

I took some pictures at a wedding last month and put them on my computer and all but I couldn't upload them but there still on my cameras SD card when I put it in the camera but when I go to print them using the SD card it says there not there help

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Will any nikon remote work with a nikon d60?

Will any nikon remote work with a nikon d60?

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Photographers: What should my NEXT camera lens be?

Hello fellow photographers and artists of image. I have a question. I consider myself an amateur photographer, but not a novice. I have a D3200 with two lenses. I have the 18-55mm VR Kit lens, as well as my stunning, affordable 50mm f1.8 Nikkor lens. Since I purchased my 50mill prime lens, I have touched my 18-55 very few times. I love the sharpness and speed that my 50mm delivers. I find my 18-55 to be practically useless for my photography needs unless far subjects are in the question.
My main subject of photography are cars. I also enjoy shooting close-up nature subject such as unique plants and animals. Fish, spiders, etc.
But mainly, i would classify myself as a car photographer.
My question to you wise folks is, what should my next lens be in my arsenal?
I understand the 50mm restricts myself to many things such as fixed focal length which can make it more difficult to compose the shot. I rarely stop down to 1.8. Usually between 2.2-3.5 does well on much of my car photos.
My price range is as affordable as i can be. I'd like to see some sharpness like I do with my 50mm but i understand some sharpness sacrificed with zoom lenses vs prime lenses.
Also one more side note: I'd like to produce photos such as the one attached. I believe a telephoto lens gives this nice depth of field and shot for a car photographer.
AGAIN, im still learning so bare with me. Thanks

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