Based on the idea that Airmax posted on here, I'm going to start a reference thread where we can all share ideas and tips on how to shoot better pictures. Notice I said PICTURES, and NOT "photoshoot" or advocating DSLR vs P&S.

I'm going to dig up some of the books I've read and liked. I've got literally a mini-library of books and magazines that helped me realize the nuts and bolts of things. It does NOT tell you how to reproduce someone's work, as Changaroo stated. It does teach you techniques and more importantly theories/reasoning behind some shots. The Ansel Adams quote is exactly right, but HOW do YOU know WHERE to stand????? By reading and practicing. No other way around it. Just like weight loss, there is no real magic pill. People always telling everyone "great pics" to get some pos reps is a false sense of security. Much like actually PLAYING Golf, which for some reason people think is "easy", posting your work on an actual photography site is a humbling experience. You'll either pack up your equipment and sell it or get better. No real in-between. You have to have thick skin because they will tear down even pics you thought were great. I personally don't totally agree with that approach myself, but it does work for some.

I'll leave everyone with this:

You don't just walk into a Hospital or Police station and start using lingo or phrases you HEARD on some TV show and think YOU are somehow at their same level simply because you TALK like them. Right?

This is why some people take offense to trendy people who have no idea what comes out of their mouth any more than the guy that walks into the Hospital thinking he's a Surgeon because he watches Grey's Anatomy on TV.