The best tip I know: Read the manual that came with your camera. Learn what all those buttons are for and then use them as recommended in the manual.
Second, notice the lighting situation and use your flash functions to compensate--again, you will learn how to do this if you read your owner's manual.

Here are some smaller tips:

1. Use 400 speed film for most photos.

2. Frame your shot to include a definite focal point.

3. Hold your camera steady!

4. Take two snaps of every shot, "just in case."

5. Realize there will be a couple of discards in every roll of film you develop, unless you're perfect!

For outdoor pictures the most important tip I have is notice where the sun is and how that affects your subject. Generally don't try and take a picture facing the sun.

Compose your picture...take a deep breath...let it out...push the shutter release button on the 'downswing' as you feel your shoulders fully relax. This is the best advise I ever learnt.:o)

Pam .... interesting concept, I will have to try that! All great tips posted. I have one, try getting closer to your subject. I have many pics where the people look like little ants LOL.

Pam

Get doubles! You can always use the other photo for background effects; i.e. to punch with, cut out shapes...I made a snowman out of 2 pictures, no paper. The center circle was my daughter(obviously the main part of the pic), the top circle was from the background (the house) and the bottom circle was black (again I cut out the house part), the scarf (vinyl siding part of picture)....so you see, every part of the picture can be used if you put your mind to it!! Try the Crop a Lot book from Design Originals.

Make sure you have film in the camera. LOL A couple of weekends ago I was trying to get a picture of my son and the other 3 boys that placed in the top four in a wrestling tournament. Got them together, took 3 or 4 pics, no film. I could not buhhhlieve it. Of course my ds, dd and dh got a chuckle out of it. It is tough when you have a camcorder on one shoulder, camera on the other and the bracket to keep up in your hands.

A great tip I learned for outdoor pics, particularly when it is sunny. Even though you have lots of natural light on a sunny day, use your flash anyhow. It helps to even out shadows on the face. I read this in a scrapbook mag and thought it sounded ridiculous, but tried it once, and was convinced. It makes a big difference!

btw...not necessary on a cloudy day. In fact, that best outdoor photos are taken on cloudy days. No shadows, no one is squinting, and the colours are truest.

Kelly

If you want an interesting pic - color wise...I tried this and I like the effect. I took a roll of black & white film (all of my 3 boys) and then had it developed on color paper. It turns out a sepia tone and looks really neat. (not all photo shops can do this, so ask first before you leave your film) Suggestions: get close, relax and practice practice practice. Also remember to check not just the subject but also the backgrounds. All too many pictures have been ruined by items or people that are in the background. Oh yeah and don't take just posed pictures, natural ones really capture the moment sometimes. Have fun.

One way my pictures turn out good is to take them high or low. I will stand on something or benddown low to get a different looking picture. It makes for interesting pictures as well. I agree with the 400 film. Much better pictures every time.

Penny,

There are some really useful tips at the Photography forum right here! Someone called Dave is writing hints and tips almost daily - they really are practical and down to earth -useful for everyone, I think. Check it out! The threads are Daily Tips and Daily Tips 2.

Jane in Australia

Here is a link that might be useful: Photography at thathomesite

The best thing I learned was form an episode of Oprah. She said you should always take pictures where you are a few inches higher. My SO and I both have double chins. When someone takes a picture of us from a step above where we are standing, it forces us to look up slightly, which removes the double chin.

I guess this would make skinny people look ridiculous though.. but it works wonders for people like me! :)

Great thread!!

My best tip is that I try to take pics of my 2 y/o at her level. I squat down on the floor so she's not always looking up at me.

Oh, and I also do a variety of distance shots and close up. I have a friend who zooms in on her neices/nephews all the time and every pic she takes fills the frame! She never has any background. i found it boring after a while.

I use 800 speed. Anyone else use this? Do you see a difference? I did at first, but now I couldn't tell you which pictures I took with 400 and which with 800 so I'm wondering if it's worth the extra money.

Check out tips for kids pictures at this address:

http://www.themestream.com/articles/75737.html