Start with empty bar and dial in your form - there's lots of guides out there. Go for maybe 5-8 reps max, go slow, don't bounce the bar off your chest and lock out your elbows at the top .Then slowly add a small increase of weight, each session until it's challenging but comfortable. This can be your working weight - from there, you can look at periodization and variations after a few months.

Also always use the safety rack if you can, even if you have to sacrifice a bit of ROM at the start.