Time of the Day (Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica)

If you find a good subject, but can't get an interesting picture of it, try coming back at a different time of the day.  For example, I couldn't get an interesting picture of this volcano, but I came back when there were fewer clouds around it, so now it looks better.
Photo ©Kalyana Duggal 2013

Wildlife

When taking pictures of wildlife that moves around a lot, such as this monkey, set your camera to a fast shutter speed, then set your camera to drive mode (which takes many pictures quickly).  Look through the pictures later, and at least a few will be good.
Photo ©Kalyana Duggal 2013

Subjects

To get a good picture, you need something for the eye to focus on.  For example, this picture would be boring without the two people walking in the distance.
Photo ©Kalyana Duggal 2013

Apertures

If you want to focus the camera on one thing, and blur out everything else around it, you should use a larger aperture so that the camera only focuses on what you want.  For example, if your camera has a range of apertures from F3 to F9, using F9 will get the picture focused on something smaller.
Photo ©Kalyana Duggal 2013

Macro Focus

In this close up of a flower, I used Macro Focus mode on my camera.  It helps take better pictures of things that are very close up.

Photo ©Kalyana Duggal 2013

Eye level

In photos that are of things that are smaller than the photographer, such as children, plants, or pets,  sometimes the best ones are the photos taken at eye level of the subject because it shows a unique view.

Photo ©Kalyana Duggal 2013

Portraits

When shooting portraits, keep in mind that it is very important to have a good background for the picture.  A background should be interesting, but not so interesting that it draws attention away from the subject.

Photo ©Kalyana Duggal 2013
Model: Shira Siegal; permisson granted by model