Having Camera isn't enough... : Tips on taking Pics

Here are some insider tips from three world-famous photographers about taking the perfect picture.

THE WORLD OF ANIMALS: FIVE TIPS FOR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
by Frans Lanting

1. PRACTICE YOUR SKILLS. Your own backyard is a great place to photograph animals, and so is the local zoo.
2. LEARN FROM YOUR PETS. Getting to know the behavior of your house pets will help you learn about the habits of some wild animals.
   
3. BE PATIENT. Learn as much as you can about the animal you want to photograph and spend time with it before you take any pictures.
   
4. THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK! Think about what you are looking at and why you are interested. The camera won't decide for you—it's just a tool!
   
5. OFF CENTER! The most interesting pictures are usually not centered. Think about how you frame the animal in the picture.

WONDERS OF NATURE: FIVE TIPS FOR SCENIC SHOTS
by Annie Griffiths Belt

1. USE NATURAL LIGHT. Photographers are always out taking pictures before the sun comes up, and long after it goes down to get the perfect light for their pictures.
   
2. NEW HORIZON. Try framing the horizon so it's not in the middle of the picture.
   
3. FULL FRAME. Arrange your picture by thinking about the objects that surround the subject of your photograph. The best pictures have interesting elements that fill the whole photograph.
   
4. TRY SOMETHING NEW. Shoot creatively and try to get something
   really special. Get down on your stomach or carefully climb a tree to get a new angle.
   
5. KEEP SHOOTING. Don't spend too much time looking at the pictures on your digital camera, it uses up the batteries quickly!
   
   

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA: FIVE TIPS FOR TAKING GREAT PORTRAITS
by Reza

1. SMILE. A nice smile is the best way to make people feel comfortable having their
   picture taken.
   
2. MAKE FRIENDS. Get to know the person you are taking a picture of. The more you know about someone, the more interesting your picture will be.
   
3. HAVE FUN. Taking pictures is not a chore, enjoy it!
   
4. MEAN IT. Take pictures that are meaningful to you. Photographs are a way to show friends and family how you see the world.
   
5. DON'T GIVE UP. It's OK if you don't get the perfect picture the first time. Keep trying until you are happy.