Originally Posted by
ricktas
At the beginner level, I would say follow some rules.
Now whilst your post laments your happy snaps results, you do not tell us what you were photographing. The view, your family? Differing 'rules' apply depending on the genre you are shooting.
Take seascapes/landscapes. Use the rule of thirds to compose, make sure there is some foreground interest, focus about 2/3 of the way into the scene, use a high f-stop, shoot early or late in the day for the best light.
For portraiture, use the rule of thirds whilst learning, focus on the subject's eyes, use a large f-stop (low aperture number) to blur the background well. Best to shoot under some cloud, bright sunny days means harsh shadows and squinting eyes.
Perhaps post some of the photos in the CC forums and say you are having trouble and get some advice directly on your results.