Well, I can open it to questions. Probably easier to address issues people are having.
As a starter, though, the main things I drum into people are:
1) Learn light. There's no way of becoming a good photographer without understanding light - natural light or otherwise. You have to teach yourself to see light the way a camera will see it.
2) Learn to shoot manual if you can. Even a £5k camera will make silly decisions. It's difficult and daunting at first, but once you master it you'll be much better (and find photography easier).
3) You don't need a super-expensive camera to take great pictures. Following points 1 and 2 are more important. My most favourite photo I've ever taken was with my iPhone.
4) If you have ££, invest in good lenses rather than chasing the latest camera body. I'd rather a cheap second-hand DSLR with a great lens than a £2k camera with a crappy kit lens.
5) Practice. Any time I take a class, I make a subtle note of their camera settings before they pack them away. 50% will come back the next week with the same settings and I'll know they haven't touched their camera. Practice is so important. Making shitloads of mistakes is all part of it. It's also important to listen to criticism - especially on technical aspects.
6) Find out what you like to shoot and focus (no pun) on that. I like photographing people so that's what I do. If you like sports, for example, concentrate on getting good at that. The more passionate you are about what you're photographing, the better you'll get at capturing it because you'll invest time in it.
