2) Use plain backgrounds: When you look through the viewfinder, make sure there are no poles or distracting trees growing from your subject’s head.

3) Move in close: Your goal is to fill the picture area with the subject you are photographing. But don’t get too close or your pictures will be blurry.

4) Use flash outdoors: Bright sun can create unattractive deep facial shadows. Eliminate those shadows by moving to a shaded area and using your flash to lighten the face. On cloudy days, try a few pictures with flash and a few without. Early morning, evening and overcast days normally offer the best lighting conditions.

5) Move it from the middle: Center-stage is a great place for a performer to be. However, the middle of your picture is not the best place for your subject. Bring your picture to life by simply moving your subject away from the middle of your picture.

6) Know the flash range: Pictures taken beyond the maximum flash range will be too dark. For many cameras, the maximum flash range is less than fifteen feet—about five steps away.  Position yourself so subjects are no farther than ten feet away.

7) Watch the light: Next to the subject, the most important part of every picture is the light. It affects the appearance of everything you photograph.  Don't like the light on your subject? Then move yourself or your subject.  Try taking pictures at different times of day under varying lighting conditions to get better results.  Sunrise and sunset offer ideal soft lighting conditions for warm colorful snapshots. 

8) Take vertical pictures: Is your camera vertically challenged? It is if you never turn it sideways to take a vertical picture. All sorts of things look better in a vertical picture. From a lighthouse near a cliff to the Eiffel Tower to your four-year-old niece jumping in a puddle. So next time out, make a conscious effort to turn your camera sideways and take some vertical shots.

9) Be a picture director: Take control of your picture-taking and watch your pictures dramatically improve. Become a picture director, not just a passive picture-taker. A picture director takes charge. Pick the location and get your subjects in fun poses that you create.  Adding props like sunglasses, hats, flowers and toys will create an even better image. Take a little time to compose each picture.

10) Take candid pictures: Ignore the impulse to force your subjects to always pose staring at the camera. Variety is important. Take candid pictures to show them working, playing, leaning against a banister chatting, or relaxing.

Source: Information adapted from www.kodak.com “Taking great pictures”