SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I got good jeans...., will that help any?!?!

SS

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

CamB you have to understand that some folks are just Trolls and they thrive on conflict. Best to just ignore off-topic gripes.

Bill_de Loc: US

The first thing I learned was to make sure there is film in the camera.

Probably the two most important were that the background can make or break a picture, and that an off centered subject often makes a better composition.

--

tdekany Loc: Oregon

More like realistic. Just look around. Most people even with decades of experience are just average. Otherwise wouldn't more experience = better picture automatically?

Unfortunately, 99% of us will never take a winner. So just giving suggestions without making it clear what the person should expect is as helpful as giving positive feedback on a snapshot. That is how I feel. I hope it is ok with you.

The technical part is easy to master, the artistic part? Not so much.

PS; Yes, most can and will improve with experience, but again, not so much. Those who have the eye are out there taking shots. m2c

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I disagree with the first tip. The second, I have my doubts. : )

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Best tip for me: "When in doubt, get closer"

droaden

The find another place to stand is good but as sports photographer for news paper others would follow and find me on sidelines or at events. I am constantly moving for The shot and to get away from the followers

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

My motto is from a poem I wrote: "Gather Ye Pixels While Ye May" .... Pixels not Roses. billpan45 gave good advice above... take many shots.

Yes, advice above is great. I have had my pocket sony SX50 so simple who needs a manual!? Not me! Recently in a discussion admonishing my friend Heather for not reading and learning her Pentax K-5, a wonderful camera, indeed .. i compared a menu.. huh what is the "custom" button on the SX50? OH MY!! never looked... Modern cameras are like superman... he and they are capable of great things, many strengths. Intuitive.. aaa NO! So indeed "read the manual" know the shoot coming up...

[my addition to the advice list] find out what others did [look at EXIF data of good shots] and write down camera settings and copy success. Plan ahead and read the sections of the manual that will help you in a landscape or a BMX bike meet. You can always ask Jerry41 for references... he has a data base and can find several to educate you... he is a great help for building your knowledge base.

rgrenaderphoto advice good.. SD cards hold many shots, take many Pixels are free. The old Kodak film sheet told you how to do proper exposure... Sweet 16 etc. They worked with my early folding 35mm pocket camera they work with modern digital cameras.

To a degree I disagree with UHH contributor, cyclespeed ... Yes do best you can, but do tricks like bracket shooting... the forest, be it trees or people are filled with shadows and sun light... you have bracketing... use it... HDR post can save the day.

ctsteps5

my advice to all my students of the past, 1st see the picture in your mine before you shoot it. and second, always look beyond the trees. think about that one!

leftj Loc: Texas

Thought we were supposed to forget the word ALWAYS.

ctsteps5

lol, not in this case

leftj Loc: Texas

I guess there's ALWAYS and exception.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

Learn your camera & equipment.
Best time to shoot a vertical is right after you shoot a horizontal.

Feiertag Loc: British Columbia, Canada

I disagree with your appraisal, Jerry. Why are there so many books written about the subject (Mastering the Nikon/Canon D????, et al) if what you say is true? Learning what your camera is capable of performing, by knowing your equipment, inside out, will lead only to good. Cheers!

markinvictoria Loc: Victoria TX

Totally agree...but sometimes those park rangers don't see it that way.