apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

This looks cool. My tip?

Don't be too afraid of rainy days. The gray-blueish haze before the storm or the petulant brightness of the sun after rainfall can lead to some excellent perspectives.

Take pictures from all different angles and try all the settings on your camera.

I like to take lots of pictures of the same thing and varying the angle a little bit. It drives my husband nuts but it is great when you want to get that perfect shot and since it is all digital, it is easy to take tons of pictures.

Read the manual.

Make sure the lighting is good so there so the picture isn't too dark.

My tip is to have a big memory card and plenty of batteries! I can't tell you how many times I've run out of memory or the battery died just as I was getting some good shots. Sounds basic, but you don't always think about it when you are in a hurry.

take pictures at different angles.

If you cannot figure your camera out hand it to the nearest child. They can work anything. Thanks for the contest.

a good crop will change any photo!

I have no photography tip to give.....not the best photographer.....but I do have to comment on the printer...it looks NOTHING like a printer, does it?

take multiple shots(burst mode) to get better choice of shots

Give context and depth to your photos by not always centering the subject. My best photos are always the portraits when the subject is a bit off center.

Experiment with taking a cool picture at different exposure. You can get some really cool effects.

The best tip I can give - turn the flash off unless its absolutely necessary. Learn to use the shutter, exposure, and white balance settings so you can take great photos using ambient lighting.

When you find yourself without a sunshield, cup your hand around the lens from the direction of the light source.

My tip -- take lots of pictures -- one of them has to turn out nice!

Turn off the flash

get closer to your subject than you think you need to be

Make sure you take the lens cap off

Don't be afraid to get really close up on face shots.

Keep your thumb out of the way of the lens (learned from experience).

Use flash in the dark and don't shake your hand.

Focus is your friend.

For every traditional photo, take at least one oddball one. the best random pics are the silly ones sometimes.

When taking pictures of pets, and if your point-and-shoot has the option, use the multi-photo setting that takes 3 or 4 shots per "click". Ultimately, dogs blink or move or stick their tongue out, but this way you have a better chance of ending up with a decent photo.

My favorite tip came from a blog, long forgotten: when taking a timed group shot, have everyone race from the camera to their positions (space willing, of course!), instead of just the person who sets the timer. It brightens everyone up, and gives off that enthusiastic glow you always feel at parties, but rarely see in the static, posed group shot.

Frame a landscape shot with something in the foreground to give a sense of perspective and depth.

Don't underestimate the basics--lighting, exposure, etc. The less touch-up that you need to do after the shot, the better.

Don't always center on whatever you are focusing on. sometimes an interesting picture is when the subject is off balance

To get the best quality of light in your photos try to shoot in the morning or close to dusk when the sun is not directly above.

junky photos photoshop = still junky photos. Don't shoot to edit later.

If you're camera has image stabilization and you're shooting on a tripod, turning it off will produce a better image in most cases.

My tip is don't pose or overthink all your shots, and make sure you bring along memory cards. Thanks for the nice giveaway!

Get CLOSE!

Point the camera in the right direction. (I don't always do it).

Always get down to the level of the children you are photographing. Helps alot!

always leave a bit of space above the tallest persons head to make sure not cut off

keep your fingers away from the lens opening....:)

This Canon Selphy CP770 Compact Printer is fantastic! I think the specs on it are pefect for home use. I would use it everyday! My photography tip is don't be afraid to get down low to the ground to shoot your image. Sometimes the low perspective is just the right angle even if your subject matter is 20 stories high! I have gotten myself into some yoga type positions in order to get that perfect shot, experiment, be creative, and let your imagination take control!

In Florida, where there is bright sunshine, outdoor pictures come out much better if you leave the flash ON. It eliminates shadows.Always do this for outdoor shots at the beach!

Lay on the ground and take pictures from the ground up; they look great and so realistic.

Use your manual settings. Even basic canons let you tweak settings. Learning how they work can make a big difference, and will allow you to not use flash as much.

Try to keep the camera still to prevent blurred shots. if you have a tripod use that to get the perfect family picture. Make sure you keep your fingers and camera strap away from the lense when taking the picture.

Let somebody besides me take the picture.

Better textures and detail if you take outside shots on a cloudy day or late in the afternoon.

I think the best advise is to be spontaneous with taking photos

shot a shot more than once and from different angles watch the sun

Hold your breath right before you click! It stabilizes the camera.

My tip? Turn off the flash and shoot in continuous mode. Lots of the images will be blurry, but you've got a great chance of catching something spontaneous and great.

be patient and you will get great photos

You have to take a lot of shots in order to capture those singular awesome ones -- so click away!

take outdoor shots on overcast days for great photos

Take the cap of the lens (lol)

play with the flash. only use it if you need it. play with the light where you are. and use angles.

that printer looks like a box of legos!

I like to frame scenery photos so that the the subject is highlighted by the edges.

Try to take close up photo's of peoples faces. The photo's come out wonderful.
What a great prize! Thanks so much for offering this contest.

You need good lighting.

Don't tell your family you're taking pics of them. I love getting them when they're being themselves and not posing for a picture :)

Take tons of pics and you will end up with one that is the perfect shot.

Beware of backlighting- it can ruin a picture!

Dont shot from too far away get closer so when you enlarge or crop the picture doent get grainny as fast as with enlarging say a full subject and always when unsure of the need to capture the background or not drop an F stop or advance an F stop youll waist some film but have shots you can do tricks with

My tip would be to use a Canon Camera!

The subject matters. Try to look for an unusual vantage point so a landmark, a group shot, an event becomes more interesting.

Focus on the subject.

When taking a picture of something through a window you should hold the camera all the way up to the glass.

Take lots of photos

always take lots of shots because not all will turn out. learn how to do some photo editing to edit out the blemishes that you may not want in your picture.

and most of all... PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. and learn your cameras manual settings because they are so much better than the preset ones!!!

Don't forget to take the cap off the lens..better yet, don't forget to put the cap back on - those lenses are too expensive not to be protected.

Always look at the background, and hold your breath when taking the picture so it doesn't blur!

depth of field and a wide aperature can create great images

always have lots of extra charged batteries on hand- as far as photography- clean lens and look at what you are taking be creative

no flash. even if you can't see the subjects clearly, it's usually more interesting.

Try to find interesting backgrounds for your pictures

If you are on vacation, ALWAYS get a person in the shot (unless, of course, its some ridiculously amazing view, but who wants a sign of the SD zoo - just the sign?) because in 20 years, you'll care about the people, not the place.

A good tip is to make a home made portable tripod. It's quick, easy, and could be free! Just find a small bolt that screws into the bottom of your camera (where you would screw it into a tripod.) Attach a length of string (a type that does NOT stretch) about the length of your own height. On the opposite end, tie a large washer. Once it is screwed into the bottom of the camera, stand on the washer pulling the string tight. This makes for a much more stable camera, and is super portable.

My trick, always take two pictures of the same thing. Odds are, one will be perfect! Thanks for the great contest!

When taking pictures inside, I never use a busy background

flash is not always needed :)

PHOTO TIP-MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH LIGHT WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR PHOTO.

get really close to your subject

My tip is fairly simple point and shoot.

keep a camera in your bag, you never know when something worth capturing will come by.

check lighting and flash

Take lots of pictures to make sure you get a good one!

PUT THE SUN TO YOUR BACK

Take multiple pictures of the same subject for better choice of final pic.

It's always best no matter when you are taking pictures of people to have them look at your ear. It will reduce the red eye on any camera.

I never pose a picture. I just keep shooting until I get something I like then delete the others.

Sun should always be behind the photographer, so there is no glare in the shot...I made that mistake once...never again...

Don't be afraid to try a shot a second time without flash. Frequently, the effect is startlingly different and can produce more interesting pictures by allowing for natural shadows.

Use a wireless remote for spontaneous shots of your victims!

Photo shop is a great way to make funky pictures.

snap a lot...on you digital camera...you never know what you're going to miss in one quick second. I take a lot of pictures at my kids' sporting events and the best ones have been the action ones...because I keep snapping away...

I LOVE this printer!

i only use flash during the day to fill in low light areas - night shots I use my tripod.

Make sure your batteries are fully charged! Have an extra too! Or , in the case of my camera, some back up alkaline batteries!

Move around! Get close, try different angles! Take your camera everywhere!

get a point a click camera.

experiment experiment experiment, play with the adjustment knobs, use all the various settings, try the indoor setting outdoors, you get interesting shots ;)

My tip is to shoot from an unusual angle. For example, if you are taking foliage photos, try laying on the ground and shooting the colorful leaves looking up into the trees.

Natural light is the best light

Always take your camera to sporting events and click away and then choose your favorites.

Always make sure your batteries are charged up. Thank you!

Pictures with people are more interesting than just shots of the scenery. Always try to include your loved ones with a backdrop of the breathtaking places you have been, years later the pix will mean so much more.

Only use flash when it is needed, some cameras default to have flash on all the time. If it is bright enough in the room/area turn flash off to make sure your colors are bright and true.

lighting.. face the sun, smooths out wrinkles

If possible use early morning or late afternoon light. Light can really make or break a photo.

The best photos most of the time are those that are not posed-especially with children!

Oooh I want me some!

I don't really have anything to add to the ones already posted, since I am NOT an accomplished photographer, but my favorite is to try for the real candids rather than posed.

Try using different colored lens to create a unique shot. Experimenting is more than half the fun.

don't use digital all the time. film can make great photos still. get out of the disposable camera and 400 speed film norm and experiment. get some low speed film. get some super high speed black and white and shoot in low light for super grainy photos (no not digital noise.... real film grain!). Pick of a toy camera, holga or something, shoot some medium format. Just get out of the norm. Then have a place scan it in for you, or scan it yourself, and print those babies out.

Hold the camera still!! You will be amazed how much bracing or a tripod will improve your pictures.

When having your picture taken, ask the photog to give you a three count, then close your eyes and relax, then open them up and smile on the third count.

People, especially children, make the best closeups. Don't be afraid to get close to the face.

Take lots and lots of photos. In this day of digital, mistakes can be easily deleted and your chance of having at least one real good picture has been greatly enhanced.

multiple photos of subject

Experiment with light. On camera flash is not your friend!

always keep your back to the sun when taking a picture.

Make sure your batteries are fully charged.

Be patient. Don't be in such a rush to take the picture.

Take lots of pictures and make sure you have light and good focus.

practice until perfect and read the manual before you go out and take pics!

avoid the flash like the plague and outdoor photos during 10 -2 on really sunny days

Try to photograph people from slightly above, it is far more flattering and gives great definition to the face. When photographing kids, just keep clicking one after another so, you will get many to delete and a few wonderful shots!

Make sure to leave just enough head-room!

take closeups.

Make sure the lighting is correct in the room or for the subject you are shooting and aim the camerea looking through the lens to get the entire subject you are shooting. It works.

Take lots of pictures.

I don't have a favorite tip to share, but I did learn quite a bit about photography. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway and for all the great tips that I learned today.

Ditto to the above comments. Take tons of pictures, unposed if possible. If digital, you can always delete the ones that don't turn out so good. Also, once you have some great shots, create a scrapbook or a digital presentation, so when you are sharing with others it's not as boring as thumbing through random prints on your computer.

Put down the champagne glass before taking the shot, and be sure that really needed shot is done before drinking that glass of champagne.

take the lens cap off

With digital, just take multiple photos and only keep the best.

Take two shots, one in color & then one in black & white.

Use real film

Definitely play with the settings on your camera! You will be amazed at how they improve!

shoot with confidence.

Get a macro lens, shoot close up.

Don't use the flash, slower shutter speed and a tripod will be much better.

Don't use the "auto" setting for every photo. Play around with your camera's manual setting options, and you will find yourself taking better and more creative photos.

Set it on bracket, if you're doing action shots, say of kids...you stand a better chance of getting more usable shots.

I like uploading to and manipulating with Picasa.

When taking pictures of common things, always look for a new angle. If you find the right one, you'll wind up with a picture no one else has taken.

Get to really know your camera (no matter how commercial or professional it may be) and step away from the auto setting, manual settings offer so many more possibilities.

FYI... Real good tip? wear a withe t-shirt to use as additional light, it will reflect it back to your subject.

good luck to all!

Chin tucked, eyes up when posing for a pic.

When shooting foliage or architectural elements, you might not always want the sun at your back. Play with the angle of the sunlight and camera as much as possible. Sometimes it's when the sun is behind the object you're shooting that you'll end up with the most interesting shapes and colors.

Photography is just like interior design, it's okay to break the rules sometimes and essential that you find your own eye.

When all else fails, Photoshop.

Take off the lens cap!

having people say "cheese" in foreign languages. you get some awesome non-smiling faces. it's great for a laugh!

Carry spare batteries so if you come across a great picture, you're not thwarted by a dead digital camera.

If you are using a digital camera, shoot everything! The photo that you think might be the worst could end up being your favorite.

sun at your back

For digital: Shoot a bunch, pick the best, and use the photoshop crop tool with abandon.

look at what the screen / viewfinder shows - just because it's a beautiful place, it doesn't mean it will be a good picture...

Make sure the white balance is correct!

Natural light makes all the difference!

Take lots and lots of pics and remember the extra batteries!

don't center EVERYTHING

This is so cool, what a great design!

My friend who's a photographer always tells me to stand sideways and then pivot when you look at the camera because it's always your most-slim-looking angle!

diagonal lines throughout a photo create interest

Stop reading, go out and take pictures!

never tell your kids to smile and say cheese.

Take pictures of everything. And takes lots of shots of everything. You never regret having too many pictures - especially with digital!

early dusk, no flash!

take the lens cap off first

Use the flash when taking sunset photos to deepen the colors.

photograph something you love, those always turn out the best =)

instead of centering your subject, use the rule of thirds. divide the view into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and put your subject at one of the four intersections.

favorite tip would be to remove the lens cover

A great black and white picture gives you an array of color treatments that make awesome collections! Try it out with a mix of color filters! you will be surprised of the results.

if you're not a great photographer photoshop is a must!

get closer and take more than one picture

Have fun taking pictures! They are for you-take them the way you want, and love how they turn out. All imperfections are perfect-just like people. :)

Do not center the subject of the photo in the view-frame. It makes for more interesting photos.

Make sure your light source is behind you. If you are using regular film, using higher number film indoors (400) outdoors use 200 film. Indoors use a flash, not outdoors, unless at night. If you are using a digital (I dont own one) use the redeye option. That way eyes come out looking bright and lovely.

i always try to remember to get down low....At least eye level when taking pix of people and chair / table height for rooms.

Keep your horizon line away from the center of the frame. And experiment as much as your camera will let you!

Take pictures as though you are using expensive polaroid film. I find that if I don't just click away, which happens more with digital cameras, the pictures have more substance.

contrary to what you might think, an overcast day is the perfect day for photos. i think because it provides an even distribution of light and also acts as a filter resulting in truly amazing photos...

I think that most people take their pictures at too far of a distance. Close-ups usually make for better pictures - except scenery of course.

throw away any hideous photos of people you're not using for blackmail - life is too short for a bad photo of someone. Keep only the cute, nice photos and people will be ever grateful!

When all else fails, Photoshop!

stick out your tongue!

Take tons of pictures, but only share the good ones.

cool prize..my favorite tip: keep the sun behind you

Keep the sun behind you.

use natural light

My favourite tip has to be *Avoid using flash at all costs*! Using the natural light of any given setting makes such a big difference.

Pretty!

My photography tip is to buy an old manual film camera. Shooting with film encourages you to think about the shot... the lighting, subject placement, depth of field, etc.

My tip is take 3 giant steps closer to the person/or place you are taking pictures of. I found I stand too far away and the person is pretty small in the picture and its not very close up.

Always carry your camera with you. You never know when a great shot will happen.

Take numerous photos of the same object from different angles and crop your heart out. Pictures always look different on you computer than they do in the view finder.

sometimes the best photos are the ones that are completely accidental

Digital cameras give you so much freedom. If your taking a picture of something, go ahead and take 8 more. My favorite usually turns out to be the 5th or 6th photo.

make sure your subject is centered if shooting people, keep the together.

learn all the rules...then forget them! shoot from your heart, shoot often.

Don't ask people to pose, get shots when they do not think you are looking!

My photography tip is take random, un-posed pictures and lots of them. I've found the best photos to be the ones where the subject(s) are not aware.

a good tripod can do wonders!!! It seems like a simple thing, but it makes all the difference!

take the lens cap off

My tip's already been mentioned, but I'll echo them: take lots of pictures, using lots of different angles. Bonus tip: experiment with the settings on your camera.

when shooting someone is a shadow, point camera toward light area to adjust the exposure then point at the person to shoot, so there wont be a black human shadow figure in the pictures u taken

take the lens cap off first

Experiment with settings and angles!

make sure you always carry extra batteries. you never know when the opportunity for a photo comes up but the batteries in your camera are dead

framing is everything. dont be afraid to try to cut out things that annoy you, you'll end up with a tighter crop, and more interesting angles.

Read the camera manual and experiment with the camera to see what options work best.

remember to carry extra batteries!

Always have good lighting and try different angles. :)

:) Thank you for the great giveaway! :)

When shooting people get closer than feels natural, tends to lead to better shots. Also, split the screen in thirds and put your subject on one of the lines, not centered in the middle.

I really need this.

i always have my camera with me. i carry it in a sock :)

always carry a camera with you wherever you go, and use the flash as little as possible.

it's all about lighting and always make sure your batteries are charged!

Take pictures in the late afternoon, before sunset- gorgeous light!

TIP: use the timer to take photos. When you press the button to take the shot, you can jostle the camera creating blur or other undesired effects. Using the timer (or a separate 'clicker' that attaches to the camera via a cord) eliminates this jostling.

My tip is to carry an extra battery on trips!

Pictures that are caught when the subject isn't paying attention are always the best to me. That way the shots are more relaxed and not strained, posed or offer fake smiles. To me natural always makes for better.
Thank you so much for offering this wonderful giveaway.
I would LOVE to win !!

I use Google Picasa to fix all my photos!

Great prize...very nice - I need this!!

Never forget the power of natural light! :)