Pay attention to the lighting. This is probably one of the things picture takers underestimate the most. Take time to read your camera manual on light settings, positioning, and flash.

Be sure to lock the focus on your camera. Press the button only halfway and then optimize your focus. When it's clear and centered, fire away.

Don't be afraid to turn the camera vertically if the object or group warrants this.

Know the range of your flash. If you're outside of the range of flash, your pictures will turn out too dark. Read your manual.

A simple background is preferable. Be careful that it is not too busy or it will detract from the overall focus of what you're trying to shoot.

If you're taking a picture of something or someone low (like a child), don't stand up. Get down on their level. Try to be at eye level if possible.

Don't be afraid to use your flash outdoors. Sometimes it helps to lighten shadowy areas.

Take charge of the scene. This especially applies to taking pictures of people. Don't be bashful. Tell people where to stand and how to look.

Add extra objects to the picture to help dress it up. This can be a plant, extra furniture, people, animals, or anything creative or colorful.

Be sure to check out-top rated photography websites such as Photography.com for photo and picture taking tips, camera reviews, and photography forums.

Turn arround, sometimes the better image is what is happening behind you

You can’t possibly take photographs of everything, but do take photographs of everything you see.

Find someone to go out and take pictures with. Its fun to compare what you both come up with, because you will both see things differently.

When taking a picture remember the rule of thirds. This means to take what you see and split the scene into thirds. Then take what you want to focus on and place it on either the right or left, top or bottom. Anywhere but in the center.

If you find that your pictures are coming out a little blurry it is highly likely it is due to camera shake. This happens when you accidentally move the camera while the picture is being taken. To help prevent this try two things. First hold the camera with two hands. Sounds silly but it does help and not a lot of people do it. Second purchase a tri-pod. The three legs of the tri-pod help keep the camera steady. You can even get a tri-pod for your point and shoot camera.

When you’re taking a picture, make it your own. Don’t take the “standard” shot that everyone else is going to take. Make it a challenge to yourself to find the angle or perspective that no-one else has thought of yet.

Take advantage of the lines you see. They can be natural lines – such as the horizon – or man made lines – such as a flight of stairs. Use these to “lead” your viewers’ eye to the focal point of the image.

It never hurts to get a little closer to what ever you are taking a picture of. Unless of course you are putting your life in danger – then you need a lens with more zoom capabilities so that you stay safe.

It never hurts to take a step back from whatever you are taking a picture of to gain a better feel of what is going on around the subject.

Blurry images are not always a bad thing if they are done on purpose. It’s a great way to photograph – for example - the speed of a car or a person running.

If you are photographing with digital camera – take the time to really play with the settings and take as many pictures as you can. With digital you no longer have to worry about the cost of processing a roll of film because you delete what you don’t like.

Make sure you know how to turn off your flash. Sometimes you will get the best shots if your turn the flash off. Take advantage of light coming in through a window to illuminate your subject. It’s also good to know how to turn off your flash if you are going to a concert or school play. The flash is disruptive to the people on stage as well as those sitting and standing around you.

When you are outside taking pictures – position your subject in the shade. Having them stand in the direct sunlight will cause harsh shadows to form and you will end up with an unflattering picture.

When photographing your children, save yourself the headache by not forcing them to stand and pose. Let your kids interact with you, the camera and their surroundings. Basically, just let the kids be kids and you will end up with far better pictures.