How can i take better pictures?

i recently bought a nikon D40 and have been taking lots of pictures. only problem i have is 99% of my pictures look ordinary, a picture that anyone can take. the problem i have is which angle to get and how far to zoom in on it. i have read info online to get a better idea, but aside from taking a photography class, how can i learn to get better images that dont look so ordinary? i like to take everything from macro, landscape, portrait, etc. but dont get the money shot. any help would be appreciated.

at least one out of 3 people are normal on here and provide answers to people who need help.

Try plastic surgery

Oh, lighten up. Louise said shoot in the raw. I'm for that.

slap your camera, teach it a lesson. beat it until it can take good pictures.

understand the rule of thirds.
experiment with different angles and exposures during each shoot.
if shooting something like a beach, make sure you have a focal point.
ALWAYS shoot in raw. this can be invaluable for outstanding pictures.
happy snapping :P

EDIT:

Also keep in mind that it can take well over 100 shots until you get the picture you're after.

Every shoot I do I will take atleast 150 pictures and end up using only 1.

Go to
www.eyefetch.com
Register.
Look me up under user-name 'tikka'
I will show you how.
No fee!!!

Go out to the web and the library and get books and articles that have pictures in them that you like. Try and replicate what the photographer did. This does several things. (a) it reaffirms that it IS possible to get those shots, (b) gives you examples of things you like for reference, (c) stimulate your craetive thoughts and inspire you.

The camera is plenty capable.

I'd start off photographing things that interest you, and concentrate on a pretty narrow subject matter. That way, you will not be trying to spread yourself too thin and you need to start small and build up your skill and confidence.

Once you've mastered one thing, you can take what you've learned from that and apply it to other subjects and situations.

Go out of your comfort zone. Play around with angles, zoom,ASA, shutter speed,different time of day and even whit balance. Push your camera to its limit. Read the manual and see what it can so. Look at other pictures you like and try and imitate that look. If you don't want to take a photography course get a good book and read up. Most of all keep shooting. With time you will get the look your are seeking.

Contrary to what you read in photo forums, 90% of the success of a photograph is the subject matter.

You can be an expert in exposure, composition and all the other stuff, but if you don't know what to take a picture of, your pictures will s**k.

Here's what I do when I run out of ideas: I leave my camera at home for a week and take a notebook instead. This lets me look at the world not as a photographer, but just a tourist.

Every time I see something I should have taken a picture of, I write it down.

At the end of the week I get my camera out and go shoot the list.

Your mileage may vary, but I'll bet this will help.

Practicing more,experience, taking up an exam of photography,best in Techniques of photography,etc.