The first step in taking a good photograph is to have a halfway decent digital camera. Read the instructions and familiarize yourself with the settings. This is the only camera you will really need unless of course you intend to make your living as a photographer or are really serious about photography as a hobby. If you are like me and like to capture memories, etc. you don't need anything better. Secondly take your camera wherever you go so you can photograph everything that takes your fancy. Make sure you have a battery recharger and keep a spare set of batteries charged! The photo below is one I took of a sunset from an island in the middle of Lake Winnipesaukkee - no special settings but it actually won a photo contest!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Anyone-can-take-a--great-photo/