Anyone can learn to take better digital photographs by paying attention to a few simple tips and tricks. If you are shooting a subject that is shorter than you are (like a dog or a cat), get down on their level and shoot the subject eye to eye. You will get a more intimate, face-on portrait instead of the common flying-over-the-dog view. Use a plain background if you are photographing an animal or person. Busy backgrounds take away attention from the subject and have less dramatic impact.

When shooting plants or flowers, move in close to reveal the detail. Beginners shooting plants often forget that the camera can’t record the context you feel while shooting—in other words, closer is better. If your subject is tall and narrow, snap a vertical photo by turning the camera sideways. You don’t have to fit every subject into a horizontal frame. Finally, when shooting a landmark or any large item that you want to be the subject of the photo, move it slightly away from the center for better visual composition and interest.