Taking pleasing photographs is not actually that difficult once you have memorised just a few basic techniques. Modern digital cameras allow you to see instant results, and you can instantly erase and take the shot again if your not happy. This has got to be the single biggest advantage of digital photo technology. Even the ubiquitous mobile phone can take good photos these days giving you the ability to capture a moment wherever you are. Like anything by just taking a little more time over things and thinking about what we are doing we can immediately improve the situation. Then with practice the techniques I will be introducing should become second nature and you will be able to competently capture the briefest of moments for posterity. So, without further delay lets get snapping.

Firstly lets the get the obvious 'suck eggs' points squared away. Hold the camera firmly in both hands, as close to the body as you can. Make sure your fingers aren't obscuring anything on the front of the camera. As well as the lens there is usually a light sensor and a focus sensor,.either of which will be thwarted if your grubby digits get in the way. If the situation allows you to set up a tripod, or place the camera on a solid surface such as the top of wall then take advantage of it as you will get sharper images.

There are three main areas to consider when taking your photos. They are: light, perspective and composition. Lets visit them one at a time.

Light
The source of the light illuminating your subject is probably the most important aspect of any photo. When the strongest light is coming from in front of the camera your subject is in danger of being reduced to a silhouette. When you are more competent this can be used deliberately for great effect. However, when considering a shot your first thought should always be: "Where's the light coming from" everything else stems from that initial premise. the rule of thumb is generally to have the light coming from behind you and the camera. When outdoors this means having the sun behind you, when the sun is high and strong you can be a little looser find a comfortable angle that doesn't require your subjects to squint. When indoors have the subject facing the light source, strip lighting is usually best. Disable the flash if the light is strong enough, use a tripod or solid surface and the timer to eradicate shake as the shutter speed is likely to be slow. If you can avoid flash you will get a much more natural look

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