Hello Burke.
A simple but difficult question you ask my friend. My answer, not because I am a good photographer,
but because I photograph a lot, is comprised of the following:
1. Photograph a lot: Yes, I know. But I use my camera sitting in bed reading. Of the book. Using different angles, different lenses, different placings to simulate different lighting conditions.
2. Stay away from the obvious. If all are at the Niagara Falls clicking away..run. Go look for
some other place to shoot from. Or shoot something else, and buy a postcard as a memory.
3. Examine what you took pictures of. Do you like them or not. Be critical of yourself. Give reasons for
why you like or dislike a photograph you took.
4. Photograph what you like. Study/visit to see works of others who you like. Ask yourself why you like
their photographs. Emulate them. After sometime, you shall be able to go your own way.
In photography, I do not believe in ' rules '. Not even for a start. Photograph what you like, how you
like to photograph it. Later on, look at point #3 above.
I was going to post this picture in images of doors; but shall serve as an example of the way I do photography.
The image is taken by my wife of me. There are visitors with cameras ( my wife and me too ).
I am interested in doors/history and the like. When most ( not my wife as seen from this pic ) had left,
I went in. Not the doors, my wife had them covered. The floor mat by the wall. Centuries old. Covered
with a modern one to prevent damage. I talked to the custodian. Politely. He obliged. The protective covering was removed for me to quickly image the authentic article.
Photograph what you like. Not what others say or do.
I realize that my response is one of million possible ways to approach photography. But it is mine.
based on my experience. Might or might not work for you.
I love the Canon, btw.!! But please don't get hung up on makes and brands and gear.!!
Regards.