How to take amazing photos from even a basic point and shoot camera

Composition
There is never one correct composition for a photograph. Always take time exploring different possibilities. A starting point with all photo compositions is the rule of thirds. Each of the main element should be placed at points one-third of the way from the edges of the frame. For example horizons should be placed to the top third or the bottom third this reduces the risk of capturing a very static image.

Framing
Try to fill the frame and make sure you keep the camera level. Move close to the action when you are photographing people and remember to always keep exploring your view point. Eye level might not be the best viewpoint to capture your subject.

Focus
If your focus is off the viewer's eye will always look for the sharpest part of the composition. Unsharp images result when the shutter speed is too slow and camera shake occurs. Easily counteract by using a tripod or hard surface to place the camera on. Your lens is focused on the wrong part of the composition or not focussed accurately, or the subject moves. Be mindful of automatically focusing cameras, the focus point may not be in the center of the lens.

Light
Light can turn the most mundane scene into a visually captivating scene. In very bright conditions, use a fill flash to reduce heavy shadows. Consider the time of the day. A space of a few hours can make all the difference in a photograph. As the light changes through the day, so do the colours and direction.

Backlighting occurs when the sun is directly in front of the camera. The most common example is sunset and subject silhouettes. The reverse of this is front-lighting where you will get clear colourful pictures however remember photographs may look flat since the shadows fall behind the image. Side-lighting helps to bring out shapes and texture. Top-lighting occurs in the middle of the day and most often the results are very unflattering. Try to avoid If you can avoid shooting in the middle of the day.

Explore your viewpoint

The first shot you will take when you look at landscapes will always be the most obvious photo. You just point and shoot. This is also the shot that 99% of people will see when they take any photo. What to look for in landscapes is a view point that is different. Possibly a stand out feature of the landscape. Or simply use the lens to zoom in on a certain point in the landscape and make that the subject of the photo or fill the foreground with a contrasting element, for example a gate, a tree stump, or a wall. Something simple to make the photo different. As a result you visually interesting and provide depth to the photo.

Working with the light

The time of day is a very important factor when taking landscape photos. Dusk and dawn provide for the most interesting lighting conditions. Have you ever seen a photo of a house or building and it looked flat and lifeless? If the photo was taken in bright sunlight, when the sun is high in the sky and there is no angle to provide shadows. Shadows add a sense of dimension to an image. You will find If the light is flat, textures will not show up and you will lose that sense of space. Often overcast days provide great conditions for lighting and add dimension to your photos. If you find bright conditions, try to position yourself so you can combined sunlight and shade. This will give your picture a better feel of shape, scale and character.

Explore Black and White

Due to the advances in technology with the invention of the digital camera and complementing programs like Photoshop, black and white photography couldn't be simpler. The digital darkroom does away with the traditional black and white techniques required for film. Things to consider when working in the black and white realm, you want to convey an sense of space by combining textural elements and contrasting tone. Black and white Photography is more dramatic when you use strong elements in a landscape such as a dead stump or a stone fence. Not only does this will capture the viewers attention, it makes the photo visually appealing to the eye. Another great tool for black and white photos is using polarizing filters; they reduce reflections and assist in adding contrast.

Work with reflections

Reflections allow reality to be a little skewed by exploring natures natural mirror. Reflections make great photographic subjects. Before taking the photo, study the reflection. Look at the way it changes shape as you change the angle of your viewpoint. Try and use a wide angle lens with a high ISO setting, to capture the image crisply. For a higher artistic effect try to get a low as possible to get the full mirroring effect of the reflection

Sunsets

One of the most stunning landscape photographic elements are sunsets. The variety of colors and array of different lighting opportunities, the colours over ocean or land make sunset simply amazing to capture. I always make sure I arrive early because there is only a short period of time to catch the right light for your shot. Sunsets are best captured with a low ISO setting with wide angle lens. I've spent many an afternoon waiting for the light to be right to capture a perfect sunset. You need to be patient when capturing the shot and wait till the sun is as low as possible to enjoy the full range of color the sky has to offer. The result is worth the wait.

If you have every tried to photography on of the many beautiful building around the world, you will know how difficult they are to shoot through the hords of tourists.

Here are some ideas to consider which will give you a unique photo for your digital collection.

Focus on Details

Take a walk around the building and consider both the angle and the lighting. Many of the worlds most famous monuments are in built up areas in the center of major cities. The Pantheon in Rome is a classic example of this. By moving further away from the building you can get a full perspective of the details and can often counteract problems with obscure angles and weird lighting. It will also give any zoomed in detail of the building better photographic structure

Night-time illuminations

Photos taken at dusk or in the night are very different to the same photo taken during day time. They convey very different stories as the daylight fades and the lights go on. Arrive early and capture photos as the light fades to black. The key is to carry a tripod or ensure you have a hard surface to rest your camera on not to blur the photo in the diminishing light.

Abstract Views

Modern Architecture adds yet another artistic element to photography. By simply looking up and shooting skyward, you can capture some really interesting photographic compositions and reflections off the glass.