I don't think a good photo is just about the camera you shoot it with or the software you edit it with, sure it helps, but if you can't compose a good shot then no camera or editing will help you. You can learn to use any camera/software but the really creative bit is seeing a subject and capturing it's interest in the right way for the viewer to see what attracted you to it in the first place.
Totally agree Swoop, I reckon composition is much more important than equipment

I am finding that I am really getting to know my camera and refining my skills as I go, but my motivation is recording a year of my DS's toddlerhood. I thought I'd soon run out of subjects to shoot, especially on the days I work - eg how exciting can the daily routine be?? But then my toddler taught me that he learns something new everyday or makes an exciting discovery - so the added bonus to this project has been to teach me the wonder of a toddlers world and not get caught in the daily drag IYKWIM

For those who are struggling with GIMP or any other photo editing software for that matter, when I am having trouble getting photoshop to do something I can usually find a tutorial video on You Tube to show me what to do, might be helpful if you seach You Tube perhaps (I find it much easier than trying to decode written instructions hehehehhe)

Here is my pic from today

LOVE LOVE LOVING this thread girls, you are giving me so much inspiration for photos - or is that plagiarism? Hehehe either way the photographer in me thanks you x x

Naomi