I have a friend who is willing to let me learn on his hair while I attend Barber College (I start on the 14th of this month). This is my very first cut ever; I didn't get a final picture due to us chatting and joking around but this is what I have. Any tips on how to get a cleaner blend or what techniques usually work best while learning? All feedback is appreciated, Thank you all in advance.

Thank you for the advice. I have been spending a lot of time watching YouTube videos and taking notes on tapers, fades, using the corners to blend, etc. It got tricky when I got higher on his head because I still don't know how to figure out the length of the top or how to use shears yet; so I didn't want to end up messing up what he already has going on.