1. Get down on their level
~For kids and pets, that means getting down on their level to take the picture.
2. Use a plain background
~Lookout for trees or poles sprouting from your subjects head.
~A cluttered background will be distracting while a plain background will emphasize your subject.
3. Use flash outdoors
~When taking portraits outside, use it in bright sunlight to lighten dark shadows under the eyes and nose, especially when the sun is directly overhead or behind your subject .
4. Move in close
~To create impactful pictures, move in close and fill your picture with the subject.
5. Take some vertical pictures
~Many subjects look better vertical, such as portraits of friends .
~Make a conscious effort to turn your camera.
6. Lock the focus
~ 1. Center the subject.
~2. Press the shutter button half way down.
~3. Re-frame your picture (while still holding the shutter button).
~4. Finish by pressing the shutter button all the way down.
7. Move it from the middle
~Bring your picture to life simply by placing your subject off center.
8. Know your flash's range
~ Pictures taken beyond the maximum flash range will be too dark.
9. Watch the light
~ Great light makes great pictures.
~For people pictures: choose the soft lighting of cloudy days. Avoid overhead sunlight that casts harsh shadows across faces.
~ For scenic pictures: use the long shadows and color of early and late daylight.
10. Be a picture director
~Add some props, rearrange your subjects, or try a different view point.
All information provided by Kodak
