By photographer Tim Cooper's reckoning, "subject matter is largely irrelevant" when it comes to making better pictures. In a series of three posts on Photographer's Breakthrough, Tim explains what he means by this startling statement and demonstrates how he applied his technique of honing in on the real reason he is making the image, not just what the content is. I highly recommend checking these out. They are useful to beginner and seasoned shutterbugs alike!
Making Better Photographs
Better Photographs Part 2
Better Photographs Part 3