1) Know how to use your camera-if it costs £10.00 or £1 000.00 you cannot get the best out of it unless you know how to use it properly. It is better to start with a cheaper simpler camera than buy one you cannot understand. READ THE MANUAL.
That said remember that only a few things will affect the final image-the lens, aperture, shutter speed, film and exposure.
2) Decide what the subject of the photograph actually is. If it is a portrait for example, you probably don't need large empty spaces or random objects in the surrounding area. It something does not add to an image it probably detracts from it. Move in and compose carefully with thought. This will help maintain quality and add impact to your photographs.
3) Lighting- photography means drawing with light. Look for interesting and dramatic lighting. If you have a good subject but with boring light, try waiting or returning for a better effect. Study painting for lighting effects (1200-1900).
Good subjects are difficult to find, so make the most of them. Try different filters for effect. Use yellow, orange or red filters for black and white. Use a Polarising filter and warming filters for COLOR. Experiment and make your own filters from cling-film, sweet wrappers etc.
4) Try something different -vary your angles, height, time of day (early morning or late at night). Borrow or hire a very wide-angle lens or large format camera. Buy close up lens to photograph flowers and insects. Use very slow shutter speeds (minutes or even hours-caution electronic cameras batteries may go flat).
5) Enter competitions to focus your efforts-you might win! It should help you look critically at your work. Only submit your best, sharp, well composed and exposed. For colour photographs use well exposed negatives good clean colours Primary colours add help add impact.

6) Buy, borrow or make a cheap camera(pinhole cameras) without auto focus or auto exposure or even metering. If you can produce good photographs with a simple camera you may well improve your understanding and enjoy it.
7) Have a purpose when you take photographs. This helps focus your attention. You are more likely to produce results than wandering about aimlessly hoping inspiration will strike. Produce an end result; it may be albums, boxed sets or an exhibition.
8) Look critically at other peoples work. Try to see original photographs whenever possible. Reproductions in books will seldom give an accurate idea of tonal rendering, colour or size.
9) Try to reproduce effects you like. This will help you to understand lighting and exposure.
10) Make a serious attempt to improve technical quality by keeping notes and making tests. Try different developers, filters, and papers to get the results you like for individual photographs.
Use a tripod; this gives the biggest improvement in technical quality. A tripod allows time for thought and aids composition.
11) In spite of what I have said do not make technical quality your only goal. The image is the important part. Enjoy your photography or you won't produce the best results!