1. Keep your camera ready
How many once-in-a-lifetime moments have you missed immortalizing simply because you didn't have your camera handy? Spontaneous moments make priceless pictures. To capture them, you need to always have a camera with you. If your regular camera is too large to carry conveniently, consider a low-cost pocket-size model as a stand-by.
2. Get close
As a general rule, the closer you get to the subject, the better your pictures will be. Getting close eliminates distracting, unne-cessary backgrounds and shows the subject more clearly. Think about showing just enough of the background scene to make the picture clear and interesting. Be sure to check your manual to know the closest distance at which it can take sharp pictures. Many point-and-shoot cameras cannot focus when they are closer than four feet from the subject.
3. Keep your subjects busy
When photographing people, keep them busy! Your pictures will have a feeling of lively spontaneity. To avoid stiff, static poses, prompt your subjects to be active. Their expressions will be more relaxed and natural.
4. Use a simple background
A simple background brings more attention to the subject and makes for clearer, stronger pictures. Take control and move your subject or your camera to a simple, uncluttered background.
5. Off-set the subject
There is nothing wrong with placing the subject in the center of your viewfinder. However, placing the subject off-center can make the composition more dynamic and interesting to the eye.
6. Include foreground in scenics
When taking scenic pictures, try to include objects in the foreground. They add a sense of distance, depth, and dimension.
