1) Get down to their levelHold your camera at the subject's eye level to capture the power of those magnetic gazes and mesmerizing smiles
For kids and pets that means getting down on their level to take the picture
They don't have to look directly into the camera, the eye level angle by itself will create a personal and inviting feeling
2) Use a plain background
Before taking a picture, check the area behind your subject
Lookout for trees or poles sprouting from your subjects head
A cluttered background will be distracting while a plain background wil emphasize your subject
3) Use flash outdoors
Even outdoors, use the flash setting on the camera to improve pictures
Use it in bright sunlight to lighten dark shadows under the eyes and nose, especially when the sun is directly overhead or behind your subject
Use it on cloudy days, to brighten up faces and make them stand out from the background
4) Move in close
To create impactful pictures, move in close and fill your picture with the subject
Move a few steps closer of use the zoom until the subject fills the viewfinder. You will eliminate background distractions and show off the details in your subject
For small objects. use the camera's macro or 'flower' mode to get sharp close-ups
5) Take some vertical pictures
Make subjects look better in a vertical picture - from the Eiffel Tower to portraits of your friends
Make a conscious effort to turn your camera sideways and take some vertical pictures
6) Lock the focusLock the focus to create a sharp picture of the off-center subjects
1. Center the subject
2. Press the shutter button half way down
3. Re-frame your picture (while still holding the shutter button)
4. Finish by pressing the shutter button all the way
7) Move it from the middle
Bring your picture to life simply by placing your subject off-center
Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid in your viewfinder. Now place your subject at one of the intersections of lines
Since most cameras focus on whatever's in the middle, remember to lock the focus on your subject before re-framing the shot
8) Know your flash's range
Pictures taken beyond the maximum flash range will be too dark
For many cameras that's only ten feet - about four steps away. Check your manual to be sure
If the subject is further than ten feet from the camera, the picture may be too dark
9) Watch the light
Great light makes great pictures. Study the effects of light in your pictures
For people pictures, choose the soft lighting of cloudy days. Avoid overhead sunlight that casts harsh shadows across faces
For scenic pictures, use the long shadows and color of early and late day
10) Be a picture director
Take an extra minute and become a picture director, not just a passive picture taker
Add some props, rearrange your subjects, or try a different viewpoint
Bring your subjects together and let their personalities shine. Then watch your pictures dramatically improve
