I have been reading up during the one week break. Some notes on photography:
A photographer composes his shot, deciding what to include, what to omit; and how to arrange the elements within the frame. Good composition or arrangement of elements within the picture frame is vital to the task to achieving high impact. Images that have balance, order and rhythm are pleasing to the eye. Some of the aspects which go to make up a strong composition - Balance, Line, how to divide up the frame and depth of field.

Balance
Usually, placing your subject off-centre will be more dynamic, leading the viewer's eye around the picture the balance is created by using another feature for contrast, one ideally of a different shape size, or colour. Two shapes of equal size compete for attention, cancelling out the interest in each other and the emphasis is lost. Two unequal shapes will take the viewer's eye across the picture from one to the other Colour contrast also helps, e.g balance a pale area against a strongly coloured object. For some pictures, symmetry also works.

Line
Strong lines in a photograph serve to direct the eye towards an object. Good placement of lines can guide the viewer, connecting different areas of an image together, creating movement and depth. Linear direction affects the overall mood of the image. A diagonal road in an image will be more interesting and exciting than if it went straight across the frace. Diagonal lines tend to impart a feeling of motion and vitality - they seem to be rising or falling, or moving from or towards the viewer. They instil your image with a vigour that vertical and horizontal lines do not.

Horizon line.
Where you place your horizon line gives emphasis to a particular part of the image. Placed towards the bottom, it gives importance to the upper part, vice versa. Placed across the middle, equal importance is suggested ( symmetry) This may create tension because the eye keeps moving back and forth unsure which half of the frame is more significant.

All points noted, the most important thing is to keep shooting and then study your images and think about how you can improve them, what you have done well, what you have not done well. Starting now! Go shoot.