Photography and camera

So, first thing, I'm participating in a landscape/architecture photography competition, and though i've taken a few photos, they are gonna check over my photos on Friday, and I need to take more photos; I wanted to know how can I take really good pictures. Tips, suggestions? I'm only gonna be taking pictures around my neighborhood. Another thing is, the only camera's I have are my iPod touch, my phone, and a cheap digital Nikon. Which camera do you think would work the best?

Do you want a profesional camera (dslr) or just something like nikon L100?

How to take good pictures in your neighbourhood: walk around your neighbourhood with your camera, and when you see a good picture, take it. It's not the taking that's important; it's the ability to see. Since this comes with practice (talent and innate visual sense have something to do with it, as well), you aren't going to suddenly improve between now and Friday. Sorry and all that, but that's the real world. If you haven't already done so, you might look at books or tutorials on lighting and composition, and you may want to study photographs by acknowledged masters of photography. Rather a crowded schedule in such a short timescale, but like I said, in the real world there are no instant solutions.