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Tips to Better Photos

1. Get close. This means closer than is usually comfortable. Everyone has their own "personal space," but don't be afraid to get into that space to take a picture. The result will be worth any momentary discomfort. A lighthearted attitude will help relax your subjects. Concentrate on faces, unless there's a good reason to include more of your subject.

2. Keep your lens clear. Make it a habit to make sure your lens cap is off, and that nothing (camera strap, finger, etc.) is obstructing the lens.

3. Read the manual that came with your camera. It will give you valuable information specific to the equipment you'll be using. Keep it handy for reference. Practice with your camera to iron out any problems before taking meaningful pictures - you know, the ones where you'll kick yourself if they don't turn out well.

4. Learn to see what the camera sees. Humans focus selectively - you may only have eyes for your baby in her high chair, but the camera will see that messy kitchen table behind her, too. This will distract from baby in your photo. Hone your composition skills: Practice looking through your viewfinder, making sure that what it sees is what you want in your photo.

5. Try not centering your subject. Use the "rule of thirds": Imagine your viewfinder as a grid. Locate your subject along these lines or points to add visual interest.

6. Anticipate. If your kids usually play in the den, or your cat loves a certain spot on the sofa, straighten up the area beforehand. You can then take some candid shots without worrying about background clutter detracting from your subject(s). When taking action shots, anticipate where the action is going to be, then aim your camera at that point, catching the action when it crosses your lens. This will give you better results than trying to move with the action.

7. Hold the camera steady. A tripod can help, but may not be the answer for all situations. When holding the camera, lean against a wall, tree or doorway to steady yourself. Before shooting, exhale slowly, then gently squeeze the shutter button. Pushing it abruptly will jostle the camera and blur your picture. Practice this gentle squeeze until it becomes second nature.

8. Take a variety of pictures. Take horizontal and vertical shots, portraits and candids. Vary the composition, lighting, distance, setting.

9. Watch the direction of the light. Bright, direct light causes harsh, unflattering shadows and dark patches. People and animals with light in their eyes also tend to squint. Whenever possible, use indirect or diffused lighting, or backlighting (light coming from behind a subject). When shooting outdoors, opt for early morning or late afternoon, and shady or overcast days. For bright days or low light, use flash.

10. Avoid red-eye, caused when flash is reflected from your subject's eyes. Position your flash a short distance from the camera, or shoot your subject from slightly above or below eye-level, or with head turned slightly to one side. Or try bouncing your flash off a wall or ceiling. If all else fails, touch-up pencils are available at most camera stores.

11. Use the "sneak shot". After taking a posed photo, take another one very quickly. This will catch your subjects with more natural facial expressions and body postures than a posed portrait.

12. Practice, practice, practice. Experience is your best teacher. It's better to take some shots that don't "turn out" than to miss (or muff) that one great irreplaceable photo.