How To Take Better Pictures

Sure, you can take a great picture with a digital point and shoot camera. But with a point and shoot, you are limited to the functions of the camera. You have little flexibility from adjusting to different lighting conditions, and different focal points.

If you truly want to take your photography to the next level, invest in a consumer or professional grade camera system, including several different styles of lenses.

We've all walked around blindly shooting pictures just to document what's happening.

But what separates a great photographer from a picture taker is a plan.

Think about what you want to capture in the image.

What do you want it to look like?
What feelings are you trying to convey?
How do you want your viewer to react?

One subject photographed in different ways will take on a variety of meaning.

If you have the time, try shooting from different angles, and place objects in different positions. Look for things that will make your image more noticeable.

To take a great image, you have to provide your subject with a little direction.

Over-posing makes a person look stiff and unnatural. But posing correctly gives the image a professional look.

Concentrate on head placement. What is the person looking at?

Concentrate on how people are connected. What gives them a sense of connection within the photograph?

Concentrate on the surroundings. Do the people look natural in the photograph?

Location. Location. Location.

You hear that all the time for real estate. But the same applies to photography too. Half of a great portrait is selecting a beautiful location.

Choose a time of day where the glaring sun isn't a problem.

Choose a location that offers a ton of possiblities.

Choose a location that is comfortable to your subject. (Some people are more comfortable in the park with a pair of jeans; some prefer an evening gown at the theater.)

Even though everyone seems to have a camera, very few can be classified as great photographers.

Just like any hobby, interest or passion, to become truly great at something takes a lifetime of committment.

Spend some time each week practicing photography.

Give yourself new assignments every week. Spend an hour shooting trees. Spend an hour photographing the color green. Spend an hour photographing buidings. Each step will help you see things in a new way.

Learn from others. A lot of photographers grew by concentrating on what others were doing. Take a class. Study some great images. Emulate their work, and you'll quickly see an improvement.