Having some real issues with padding, margins, etc

http://codepen.io/cshaw7589/full/ZeadEx/

I’m not quite grasping the padding, margin, float, etc. type elements. Here are the biggest gripes with my page so far:

  • My photo being so close to the text and the border of the “About” element.
  • The placeholder photos under “Projects.” I’d like them in 2 rows of 3.
  • The buttons under “Contact.” I can’t work out how to change the font and I want them aligned to the right instead of crammed together on the left.

If anyone could help me and/or just give me general feedback that would be great.