Stand close to your subjects to take better pictures. Getting closer eliminates backgrounds that are disruptive, and better frames the subject. You also get the opportunity to allow your subject's face to be the star of the shot; this is especially impactful with portraiture. Small details such as here the unique colors in your model's eyes, or an adorable dimple are often lost when you are too far away.
When you are setting up a photograph, keep your effort simple. In many cases, you can take wonderful photos without needing to tinker with all the different color and motion settings on your camera.
Always check out other photographers and what they are taking pictures of. Doing so can remind you about all the ways to catch a single image.
If you plan to travel, make sure to pack any photography equipment thoughtfully. Double check that you have packed any essential items such as lenses, batteries and cleaning tools. Don't take 50 lenses when five will do, as this could bog you down when trying to carry your camera equipment from place to place.
As a photographer, it is important that you keep your batteries well charged so you never have to miss out on the opportunity to take a great picture. The LCD screen on a digital camera can eat a lot of battery power, so put freshly charged batteries in the camera before you need to use it. Have an extra set of batteries on hand so as to always keep shooting.
Take photographs of souvenirs and mementos gathered during your travels. Consider photographing the store that sold you the item, or just take a photo of the item against a unique background. This helps create stories for your souvenirs that you can enjoy when you return home.
Centering your camera on your subject will bring it into focus, but try moving the camera to change the shot's framing after focus is established. When a subject is in the center, it is very mundane and not fun to look at. To add interest to the shot, simply place the subject anywhere but dead center in the viewfinder!
If you believe the nostalgic sentiments associated with film-based photography and would like to try your hand at doing it the old-fashioned way, pick up a film camera at a second hand store. For an added effect, make use of black and white film that has an ISO 200 rating; it will work quite well for most shots. When you develop the pictures, consider using old fashioned papers as well. Fiber-based papers are good.
After reading these tips, you can tell that becoming a better photographer is easier than you may have thought. It will require some research and practice to better your photo skills. The effort you put in will be apparent in the improved pictures you take.
