Follow your subject

If you are trying to take a picture of an animal that is outside while you are inside, you will probably get a lesser quality picture that is tinted by the window screen.  Try to quietly go outside, if possible, and the picture will be much better.
Photo ©Kalyana Duggal 2013

Mt. Marcy, New York

Sometimes, a simple object like grass or a rock makes a good subject if you have an interesting background.

Photo ©Kalyana Duggal 2013

Fireworks

When photographing fireworks, use a slow shutter speed to capture the whole firework at its brightest.  This was taken with a 5 second shutter speed.
Photo ©Kalyana Duggal 2013