Hub_bo, what's your camera?
Do check out the specs and capability of your cam. Think of it not as a hindrance and change your cam because of your skills. But work around the camera's functions. Work around the disadvantages. For now that is.
In learning arts subjects, always you need to improve artistically first. Then the technical part comes in. Same for any arts with technology fields.
In art (eg sclupture) , must learn how to appreciate the beauty and to improve artistically before you learn the technologies needed to produce it. JUST EXAMPLE. :bsmilie:
Portrait and Macro modes will focus on the subject, and make the other elements blur. But this depends for camera to camera. In this case of your photo, use Portrait. Photography is quite easy to grasp. Don't get put off by the technical things, can leave that to later. Up till now I'm still starting to scratch the surface of the techincal part.:sweat: