I believe that learning to see and appreciate lighting is the key to all great photography.  Once you see and understand all the qualities of light, apply some basic techniques of composition, learn to vary your view point and add subject impact to your pictures you can start creating quality photographic images.  This will accomplish two things: first you will start seeing things you never saw before and second, you will be having more fun because your results will be better.  Remember, if your friends don’t like your photographs, just get new friends.