You are a pro when it comes to portrait photos using your iPhone. However, it is time for you to become a better photographer and experience the limitations of your phone sensor. It is time for you to enjoy the dynamics in the range. The purchase of a “real” camera is a big deal for many people mostly because of the fear of looking like a tourist. Do not be afraid, it is easier than writing your dissertation.
Firstly, stop thinking about megapixels, they are not important and mostly are a marketing trick. You should buy a mirrorless camera instead. Some examples are Sony a6400 or Canon R50. These cameras are quite small compared to the traditional DSLR cameras of your parents’ times. Modern cameras allow you to see how the exposition will look like even before shooting. By the way, a viewfinder is worth it.
The next step which you need to do is changing your camera’s settings from auto to manual mode. It may seem like a scary idea for beginners but you only need to get some basics of Exposure Triangle. Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO are always in constant brightness balance. When you understand how to work with them you will see the camera only as a light box.
Remember not to rush and not to buy all possible cheap lenses. Instead, it is enough to purchase a so-called “nifty fifty” – 50mm f/1.8 prime lens. These lenses force you to walk around to adjust frames. Shooting with such lenses, you will create the professional photos because of the blurry background (it is called bokeh). And, of course, you will spend less money on it than on your coffee.
Take your expensive camera and go out with it to shoot in the worst possible lighting conditions. It means shooting without sunlight but when it is bright outside. You will have to shoot a lot of horrible pictures but it is exactly what you need. Just delete bad pictures, leave good ones and analyze why the latter are good.
Stop caring about looking pretentious or carrying too much equipment in the street. No one cares about you when you are adjusting the frame. Just start shooting and enjoying your new equipment. Your Instagram grid will change soon.