tips on taking a good photo

Tips:Whether you use digital or film, check your camera is ready and always carry a spare set of batteries.When photographing people, you should be close enough to the subject so they fill the main portion of the screen, but not so close that you cut off essential elements – like their head or feet!Cameras often have lines on the viewfinder to show the centre and edge of the picture, so use these to frame up more accurately.You should try to avoid sunlight shining directly at your subject because it could make your subject look bleached out and flat. Sunlight can also produce a glare or silhouette your subject.Ideally the light should come from the side creating shadows and giving shape to the subject.When taking pictures of your pets, the key thing is patience. They won’t always cooperate, so take your time and eventually they will relax and do something cute.Have something to hand - like a squeaky toy - when you want to attract their attention.When taking portraits, especially of children, try not to look down on your subjects.Get the angle of your shot right. Get down to their level, place them on a bench or a chair, or mount your camera on a tripod adjusted to their eye level.When photographing landscape, think hard about composition. A view of distant scenery may look great at the time, but can look boring in a photo. Try to include a focal point – a person, a tree, a house – to add interest.While strong shadows should be avoided when shooting people, they can add depth to a landscape. The best time to take photographs is morning or evening when the sun is low, otherwise the image can look very flat and boring.This AOL Show Me story was created with thanks to the London Camera Exchange.