1. Look critically at other’s photos that you like and try to copy their style.

Ask yourself:

How far away were they when taking the shot?-What is intriguing about the photo? The subject, whole composition, lighting? How is the composition created? Why do I like the photo?

2. Sometimes you need to get on your knees.

Do you always snap photos on your feet? A better photo might be achieved if you change YOUR position!

3. Consider the ‘law of thirds’.

When looking through the viewfinder, set up your shot in thirds (we’ll talk about this at length later)

4. Consider your lighting.

I have found that early morning and late afternoon provide the best natural light. Consider sunrises, sunsets, and puffy clouds to be excellent props. Humid afternoons and hazy days do not produce clear shots.

5. Get closer!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with distance. Photos can be very interesting when you get up close and personal and change your perspective.

6.Tell a story.

Consider your photo as a means of communication.  Make it as interesting as possible and hopefully cultivate an emotional response. A photo can ‘speak’ to you, and that’s a great shot.

7. Consider an assistant named Photoshop (or something similar… I use a cheap version called Photo Impact).

This can help you make good photos GREAT!  It is a good way to enhance your photos in a zillion different ways. Photoshop is not a miracle worker, however… you must still strive to take good photos.

8. Understand your camera inside and out.

Read the manual and play around with all of your settings. You won’t break anything.

There is no better way to learn all of your cameras capabilities than to fiddle with it. You must be very familiar with your camera and comfortable with it to take good photos.  When adjusting your settings is second nature to you, you can focus on getting that great shot!

9. Stop taking posed photos!

They are fake and boring!! In order to do this, you must have your camera with you and ready at all times!

Meaning: take it with your everywhere! You never know what great shots you might catch unexpectedly! Catch people in conversation rather than cheesing for the camera, considering expressions and remember you’re telling a story…

10. Practice, practice, practice!

In the age of digital photography, it is easier than ever to review your work and separate the good from the bad (just hit delete!)

Don’t be afraid to snap zillions of photos and remember that you can ruthlessly delete the bad ones later!

Practice makes perfect! The key is to take lots and lots of photos (and just keep the good ones!)

I hope this helps to get you thinking more critically about the photos you take. I receive emails and comments all of the time about my photos and everyone wants to know my secrets. I really have none!

I have had absolutely NO formal training in photography and all that I have learned has come from the very 10 tips that I just shared with you. I have my camera with me ALL of the time and I take millions and millions of photos. There are no magic tricks, just lots and lots of practice.

Tags: photography, photos, pictures, Tips