Tips to take better pictures?

With all the family and summer season events coming up, I would like to take pictures and get a new camera but just don't know where to start. If there are any photographers out there that can offer some tips or hints that would be great.

I think your question is a very personal one regarding what you want to do with your camera... then there is the 'how to use it' bit.

The website below is free and kicks off right from the basics - it covers things like what to consider when buying a digital camera and photography and lighting techniques - effectively professional tips, techniques and trade secrets... I hope it will help you with both those areas you are interested in: buying a camera and using it.

http://www.image-nut.com

I'm no photographer...but I'd say good lighting is essential. It can dramatically change the way a landscape or people look in the picture.

for me
hold the phone or camera at a higher angle
it will make uur face look smaller
and feel good
and you will look nice(:

well i want to be a model ... and i can take pictures pretty good..... well here is a good tip... make sure ur eyes are big.. if they are not ...u willl look stoned and yeh u dotn want that it ruins ur picture... try to take more of a side face angel.. if u get ur whole face the picture tends to make ur face look really wide so try to angle ur face a bit... and try a variety of pictures... u can make up awesome poses by practicing in the mirror...

Three points to ALWAYS figure out before taking a shot.....one, decide upon what the subject will be. Two, draw attention to the subject. Three, simplify and keep out anything unnecessary or cluttered or confusing, anything that could distract from your subject.

make sure you use the micro button on your camera if you have one [the flower thing] for taking things close-up. make sure you get what you're taking to fill the whole frame and if you have photo editing software, edit the sharpness, contrast and so on. and make sure you practise at taking different things from different angles, light etc or even better, buy a photography book for beginers or go to a photography class. [:

A lot depends on your current level of expertise.

If you've ever used a 35mm SLR camera then you might want to consider a DSLR.

If all you've ever used is a simple Point & Shoot then you may want to stay with one that is similar but upgraded.

If you feel confident that a DSLR would be a good choice then you have several to choose from without breaking the bank.

The Sony A200 is a 10 megapixel camera with image stabilization in the camera body (Sony calls their version Super SteadyShot) and can be found for around $500.00 with the standard 18-70mm kit lens.

If you'd be more confident with a sophisticated Point & Shoot, take a look at the Canon G9.

Whatever camera you buy, plan to spend some time READING & STUDYING the Owner's Manual for it.

Happy shopping!

well the first thing to remeber is to nevr take a picture facing the sun

and to always make sure the lens is clean and dust free and that your finger isnt over the lens accidently

You can take a look at this blog from MyPictales.com,

http://blog.mypictales.com/2007_10_14_ar...

There they give awesome tips on how to take pictures and how to work the light and the angles. Hope this helps.