I like how people who are good photographers say "I'm really bad at photography".
The best place to learn photography is not in a photography class. Take a painting or drawing class instead. Photography is art, and as an art, the principles of composition taught in painting and drawing classes apply directly to photography.
Photography classes tend to "focus" on how to use a camera, and understanding light. These two things are important, but most modern digital cameras focus themselves and automatically determine exposure.
A good photographer (which I don't claim to be) takes pictures with composition being the first consideration. Once one has decided the proper composition, then the amount of exposure and depth of field, etc, can be decided.
Personally, I prefer black and white film photography right now. I got tired of the artificially bright colors that I often see in digital photography. Taking the colors away leaves only light and shadow, which can be dramatic if composed properly. I also like black and white film because it is easy to develop myself.
