I’m often asked while on a session how I take such great pictures. No, it’s not the camera. After all, you could go out and buy really expensive, state-of-the-art pots & pans but they wouldn’t make you a chef. Right?

It’s how you use the tools you have. Using a point & shoot camera will give you good images when shooting in easy lighting conditions. But, honestly, it’s the tricky lighting that makes for the best images. But if all you have is a P&S or are terrified at the idea of turning your DSLR to manual then keep these pointers in mind when taking pictures.

1. Try not to shoot your subject with a bright light directly behind them. It confuses the camera and you’ll end up with a dark face and lovely background! But if you really want that sunset shot, use your flash. Yes, use your flash outside. It’s okay!
2. Get down on your child’s level. Shooting from their perspective really creates a great connection.
3. Watch your background. Nothing will ruin an otherwise great image faster than a cluttered background. Afterall, who wants a picture with some badly-dressed stranger scratching his belly in the background?                                                                                                                                                        4. Move in closer, but not too close. Remember what your image is about and fill your frame with just that. Which would you prefer, a closeup of your  daughter’s adorable icecream-covered face or a pull back shot where she’s just a small part of the picture, sitting in the hot sun on an ugly bench? Always remember to think about what’s in the frame before taking the picture.
5. For those group shots make everyone get close. Touching automatically makes a connection and often elicits genuine giggles and smiles.

I hope these few hints help you take better pictures as  you can’t always have a professional photographer around. Well, I guess you could but it would be expensive… and probably kind of annoying.

Have a great week and happy picture taking!