Any tips/tricks I can do with my Nikon d5100?

I've had this camera for maybe a year now, haven't used it much (other than just high quality pictures) and I've used all the settings, but am just now getting into the MASP features. (manual, aperture, shutter, and program) What are each of them used for, how can I use them/change them, etc. I'm an amateur photographer, just taking artsy photos for my instagram (@/_redwonderland) and I really want to become more discovered. I think better and more unique pictures will help.

I'm not avoiding the question, try buying a 'good photo guide' that will explain when to use the different settings, the settings allow for different levels of control, Aperture Priority allows control of the aperture for a desired effect, Shutter Priority allows control of the Shutter speed for a desired result, Manual gives you complete control of the camera settings and program tends to give an average between the aperture and shutter settings - a 'guide' explains in more depth when it's best to use the different modes and usually illustrates the 'effect' with an image.

Please don't be put off, it might sound a bit complicated, it isn't really and once you understand it, it's great fun!

Read The Manual

To advance to the next level you need to learn the fundamentals of good photography: composition, lighting, and exposure.

Here are some composition ideas:

http://www.althephoto.com/concepts/composition.php

To do some of these "tricks" you will need to control both aperture and shutter speed, which requires knowledge of exposure and using the PSAM modes on your camera.

Also, pick up Bryan Peterson's book "Understanding Exposure".

Bryan also has some excellent videos on YouTube - search on "bryan peterson" to find them.

As well, Adorama has a tutorial section with some very fine videos. You can find that on their website (www.adorama.com) or on YouTube (search on "adorama").

Realize you will not learn this overnight - it takes years for most people to become good at it. Even after 35+ years, I still learn new things.

You can sit on your Nikon D5100.
You can fetch your Nikon D5100.
You can talk to your Nikon D5100.
You can roll over your Nikon D5100.
You can play dead when you are shot with your Nikon D5100.