First let me say, buying a $3500 camera is not going to make you a good photographer. I've seem many pro's using $150 point and shoot cams put less skilled shooters with their $2500 DSLR's to shame.
The advise that has helped me the most:
Know your camera.
Shoot lots and lots of pictures.
Use ALL of the features on your cam at least once to see what they do.
Shoot in RAW whenever possible, your computer is a much better photo editor than any camera.
The most interesting shots are usually from a different POV, if you just stand and click no matter how good the shot, it will be mundane. Squat, lay, climb, swing, whatever it takes to achieve a different POV.
KNOW THE GOLDEN RULE.
When I remember to do all those things, I'm never disappointed.
This sight has some good basic tutorials and explanations, it helped me a lot.
Digital Photography Tutorials
I don't know what kind of gear you use, but this is one of the most helpful forums I've found. They are definitely biased, but still polite when you lense is not white with a red ring.
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HTH,
Brock