Let's start at the very beginning: Composition.

Before we start learning about your camera, the first step to successful photography is composition. How your subject is composed in the frame is extremely important. You can have the most interesting subject but if composed poorly, the photo will just be mediocre. You can have a boring subject, composed well and the photo can be award winning!

Simple Composition Rules (just two for starters):

1. What is your primary subject?  

What is most important? Does the background and/or foreground add or take away from subject? Don't let your subject get lost by unnecessary busyness. Move in closer, simplify, change angle and perspective to make your subject more defined.

This is documenting the firefighter visiting the school. The first image is very busy, too much going on and you notice the truck more than anything else. By changing position and being aware of the background, I end up with a much stronger image.

2. Fill the frame. 

The frame is the boundary of your photo; what you see through your view finder. Use all the space purposefully.

Be aware of your subject, background & foreground. Decide what compliments the subject and what does not. This will become very natural through practice as you train yourself to prioritize what is in your photographs.

Photo Challenge #1

Take a dozen photos of one subject. Try different zooms, angles, some with and without background included, then look at each of them and pick your favorite. Why is it your favorite? What makes it a strong photograph?

Then try it again with a different subject. Practice makes perfect and no film is wasted! Feel free to email me your photos and tell me about them. I am happy to offer advise/critique. :)