1. Look for Good Light

Light is one of the most important parts of photography.

Whenever possible, look for soft, natural light. Early morning and late afternoon often provide beautiful, gentle light that is much more flattering than the harsh light of midday.

If you're photographing people, try positioning them so the light falls naturally across their face. Avoid having them stand directly under strong overhead sunlight, which can create dark shadows around the eyes.

Tip: If you're taking photos outdoors, look for open shade—a shaded area with plenty of light around it.

2. Pay Attention to Your Background

Before you take the picture, take a quick look behind your subject.

Is there a trash can? A car? A telephone pole that looks like it's growing out of someone's head? Clutter can easily take attention away from the person, pet, or moment you're trying to photograph.

Sometimes all you need to do is take a few steps to the side or move your subject to create a much cleaner image.

Tip: Don't just look at your subject. Look at everything around them.

3. Get a Little Closer

One of the easiest ways to make a photograph stronger is simply to get closer.

When photographing people or pets, filling more of the frame with your subject can create a much more personal and engaging photograph.

If you're using your phone, try physically moving closer rather than relying heavily on digital zoom. You'll often get a sharper, more detailed image.

4. Change Your Perspective

We tend to take photographs from the same position—standing up and holding the camera at eye level.

Try something different.

Get down low when photographing a child or pet. Move to the side. Photograph from slightly above. Try looking through something in the foreground.

Changing your perspective can completely change the feeling of a photograph.

Tip: Before you take the picture, ask yourself, "What happens if I move?"

5. Try the Rule of Thirds

You don't have to center your subject in every photograph.

Imagine your photograph divided into nine sections by two horizontal and two vertical lines. Placing your subject near one of those lines or intersections can create a more interesting composition.

Most smartphones even have a grid setting that can help you practice.

And remember—rules are meant to help you learn. Once you understand them, you can also experiment with breaking them.

6. Capture the Moments In Between

Some of my favorite photographs aren't the perfectly posed ones.

They're the moments when someone laughs, looks at the person they love, reaches for a child's hand, or simply forgets the camera is there.

When photographing families, couples, and pets, don't worry about getting everyone to look at the camera every single time.

Sometimes the photograph that tells the best story is the one that wasn't planned.

7. Take More Than One Photograph

Don't be afraid to take several photographs of the same moment.

People blink. Children move. Pets rarely cooperate. Expressions change in an instant.

Take a few photographs from slightly different angles or compositions. You may be surprised by which one becomes your favorite.

With digital photography, you have the freedom to experiment.

8. Check Your Focus

When photographing people, pay attention to the eyes.

The eyes are often the most important part of a portrait, and having them in focus can make a huge difference.

Before you press the shutter, take a moment to make sure your camera or phone is focusing where you want it to.

This is especially important when photographing pets, children, or anything moving quickly.

9. Tell a Story

A beautiful photograph isn't always about perfect lighting or perfect composition.

Sometimes it's about how the photograph makes you feel.

Think about what you want your photograph to say.

Is it showing connection? Adventure? Joy? A quiet moment? A relationship between a person and their pet?

When you start thinking about the story behind the photograph, you begin creating images that mean more than simply documenting what was in front of you.

10. Don't Forget to Print Your Photographs

This may be my favorite tip of all.

We take thousands of photographs, but so many of them remain on our phones or computers.

Your photographs deserve to be enjoyed.

Print your favorite family photographs. Create an album from a special trip. Frame a photograph of someone you love. Create artwork for your home.

There is something special about seeing a photograph every day rather than having to scroll through hundreds of images to find it.

Photography deserves to live beyond the screen.