1. Move closer to your subject to fill more of the frame with details. Keep moving closer until the photo successfully represents the subject. 2. Take the photo quickly if the subject may move before you are ready. Practice quick shooting and don't worry about settings, following the motto "shoot first, ask questions later." 3. Compose photos with care using techniques like level horizons, rule of thirds, leading the eye along lines or patterns, and placing the subject intentionally in the frame.

2. #1: Move in closer
Each time you spot a subject, snap a shot and then move in
closer for a better shot. Having your subject almost fill the
frame helps your viewer understand and appreciate your
photo. Also, details are often more interesting than an overall
view.
Keep moving in closer until you are sure the photo will
successfully represent your subject.
Becomes better by moving
in closer
Captured too far away

3. #2: Be Quick
If it is at all possible that your subject may move, bolt, fly away, stop
smiling, or just get tired of waiting for you to take the picture, shoot
once right away.
Practice getting quicker and quicker to the draw.
Do not worry about taking too many pictures and do not wait until
you're absolutely certain all the knobs and buttons are in their
correct position.
Motto to remember: “Shoot First, Ask Questions Later”

4. #3: Compose Your Picture
With Care Rule of Thirds is put to use
by dividing the rectangular
Even if you don't plan on selling shape of your scene into
your photo to the nine smaller rectangles like so:
Smithsonian, make every effort
to keep it balanced and
beautiful. On one level or
another, everyone responds
better to a picture that has all
elements in balance.
Strive to lead the eye along an
interesting path through the
photo, with the use of strong
lines or patterns.
•Keep the horizon level; Composing picture and applying rule of thirds You add a great deal of dramatic
•Crop out extra elements that interest by placing your subject at
you are not interested in (more
on this is the next tip); any of the four points where the
lines cross.
•Consciously place your subject
where you think it most belongs
rather than just accepting it
wherever it happens to land in
the photo;
•Play with perspective so that all
lines show a pattern or lead the
eye to your main subject;
•Work with the Rule of Thirds.

5. #4: Select and Focus on
your Subject
Practice shooting with different apertures and monitor
the results afterwards to learn how depth-of-field
affects your photo.
You will find that a smaller depth-of-field (and smaller
f-stop #) focuses all the attention upon your subject.
This is great for taking a picture of your subject as it
stand s out against a blurry background.
You will also want to become familiar with the way your
camera focuses. If it is a simple point and shoot
camera, you will likely
indicate which part of the picture to focus on by
following these steps:
1.Aim so the object you want in sharp focus is in the
center of the viewfinder.
2.Press the shutter button down half-way and hold it.
3.Move your camera until you have the composition
you like best (see tip #3).
4.Press the button down the rest of the way to take the
picture.

6. #5: Watch the Weather
Look outside and decide whether or not you are
going to want to have the sky in your picture.
If it's overcast, simply keep the sky out of your
pictures as much as possible. This is usually the
best way to avoid both muted tones in your
subject and washed-out skies in your
background. You might also find black and
white pictures of an overcast day more pleasing
than color.
When the day is beautiful, go ahead and make
the most of it.