Turning static website to Craft?
First of all to use Craft you need a server and a database - e.x. Apache and MySQL so it's not just PHP. Assuming you will get your hands on pre-installed craft instance basic configuration is pretty straightforward. Also you need to understand craft concepts of sections, fields, relations. Then you can setup blog or portfolio. Next you need to create views (TWIG language).

There are different plugins to help you with your content. Like this one (blog). Installing plugin is as simple as copy folder and then hit install button in the CP.

Read this answer where I included some resources to get you going with Craft.