Dude.
The D7000 is a great camera. Haven't used one personally, but I've heard good things about it. And good job going with Nikon. Das mah brand.
Anyway, as for a few tips...
1. When putting on the lens, remove caps in this order: the one on the lens, the one on the body, quickly get the lens on to avoid getting dust on the sensor or in the lens, and then remove the lens cap.
2. Always take more than one or two pictures of whatever you're photographing (especially if you can't easily retake the shot)!
3. Read the manual. Get to know your camera. You want to know its features, limitations, how the modes work, what all the terminology means, and if you're willing, take some time to learn how the camera itself functions (i.e. the lens, image sensor, aperture, etc.); it will help you take better pictures if you understand how the camera works.
4. I've said this before, and I'll say it again: it's not the camera that takes the photo, but rather the photographer that makes the photo. Photography isn't just capturing a moment in time; photography is an art. Be creative, try new things, old things, innovative things - whatever.
5. Get an optical cover for your lens. It basically is an extra layer of glass that reduces glare and flare (lol rhymes), and gives you protection from lens scratching to boot. Great investment, and you can find them fairly cheaply.
6. It's generally a bad idea to jump off of cliffs without a parachute. Don't do it.
7. Don't limit yourself. Try a variety of types of photography, find what you enjoy, and sometimes take a step out of your comfort zone.
8. Learn about/learn to use the Rule of Thirds.
9. Don't drop the camera.
10. Most of all, have fun. This is the most important part - if you're not enjoying it, then maybe it's not for you. But if you do enjoy it (pretty sure you do, lol), then make sure you're having fun.
That's all I've got for now. Hope this helps!
