http://www.strongtie.com/deckcenter/index.html?source=category
Under the category listed as "Beam to Post" there are a variety of brackets that are called "caps" - these are for the top of vertical supports. Choose it based on the support size and the beam size, as well as the location of the bracket (inside/outside - where exactly does it need to support the beam overtop, center or off-center, etc).
I built our deck without base or cap brackets - the only brackets I used were joist hangars. I used 5x5's for the posts and the beams hang on the side of the posts with lag bolts. My design, however, exceeded code (which isn't strict around here) - but I know that if I lived elsewhere I'd be required to use the brackets, which would have been no big deal to purchase anywhere and install (and can be installed in the future if things change)
You don't have to be classic with your deck, either, if you're designing your own you can be as creative as you want and personalize it for your needs.
I refused to just build a box deck. Several reasons - for one, our yard is huge and a box deck looked good on paper but really was tiny in comparison. I needed to bring it into the yard but was limited by my budget. I, also, didn't want much of the deck to be near the house - I've yet to install gutters and always thought it dumb to have a deck next to a wall which would detour that area from being used - such as when it rains or when hornets decide to invade the soffets, etc. I, also, didn't want kids all up in "my space" when I'm outside tanning and so on.
To solve these things I designed it with a bridge from the doorway that extends out and away from the house - with a step down to a larger deck for chair-lounging and at the other side is a step-up medium sized deck for adults-only.
There is an alcove dirt area next to the house and I've turned that into a smoke-corner for our grill and so forth, complete with a wind shield and overhang.
Now - back to your deck picture.
There are several things I see that you need to keep in mind and consider. #1 - in the photo the deck boards (which are called 5-quarter or 5/4 board) are on an angle and the angle turns the other direction in the middle.
This means that their joists probably run in direction of the door to the step. There is also a beam running left-right in center (which is likely supported in the center with a support post) so the diagonal beams can be supported at the inside where direction changes.
They likely used traditional step-forms that are pre-cut and then just nicely boxed off the steps to conceal it.
The upper deck overhangs on the front (this is called cantilever) - however, it's not a true cantilever because they have installed supports from the lower portion of the deck/step to the upper deck. You don't need this. If you double your beam that extends out past your post you can properly cantilever your deck (how much depends on the size post/beam used)
Hope that helps some - I'm out of time
Good luck, read up on decking and crunch some numbers. Sketch out some ideas on paper.