Imagine that your image is divided into 9 equal segments by 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines. The rule of thirds says that you should position the most important elements in your scene along these lines, or at the points where they intersect.

Doing so will add balance and interest to your photo. Some cameras even offer an option to superimpose a rule of thirds grid over the LCD screen, making it even easier to use. (image by Teri Ratcliff)

1. Take lots of photos
The The most important thing to keep in mind when photographing groups and families is Having a large number of photos will give you the best chances of catching everyone looking their be most important thing to keep in mind when photographing groups and families is this: you absolutely must take a lot of photos.

Having a large number of photos will give you the best chances of catching everyone looking their best.

2.Getting Up Close and Down Low
Have a go at getting down low to your subject, ideally at their eye level, and get them to look directly into the camera. This composition is extremely powerful in shots, especially children. You’ll be amazed at the results; the eyes really will be talking to you.

3. Fill the Frame
When taking pictures of people fill up the entire frame with their face, you might think a shot like this will show warts and all but actually what it does is create a very dramatic shot. A good way to do this is line up your frame, then take a few steps forward, and then pull up your zoom. Again, this is very powerful when taking pictures of children. And your subject doesn’t have to be looking straight at the camera, take pictures of people off guard, when they are looking in another direction – the close up creates a real sense of emotional in your photo.

4.Off Centre Shots
This is a good trick for taking pictures of both people and landmarks.
Line up your shot but have your subject off centre – either to the left or to the right a bit. This way you’ve captured the subject and the scene, and the effect is striking! It works particularly well if there is an object in the background that offsets the subject on the other side of the photo.

5.Tilt Your Lens
By simply tilting the camera a little, just a slight angle to the left or right – so the frame becomes a diamond rather than a square. This tip is great for groups of people as the effect is really fun and off the wall.

6.Strike a Pose
Instead of the usual standing still and smiling ask your subjects to strike a pose. Make the photos fun. Get them to jump up and down, throw something up in the air, blow kisses, look through glasses made with their hands – all of these make for really fun photos and different from the usual, dull pictures. These pictures make for really great impromptu shots.

7.Portrait Photos
So many of us automatically pick up the camera and just take a shot – a landscape shot. Don’t forget that a portrait shot is ideal for photos of couples, and tall landscapes. Plus, most decorative photo frames are portrait meaning your regular landscape shots can’t be used.

8.Indoor Flash
If it’s a bit dark indoors don’t be afraid to turn your flash on. You won’t get blinded out, the flash will just lift any shadows and black spots. Also, even on a sunny day the flash can counteract the bright effects of the sun. And also on a cloudy day a flash will brighten up the subject.

I hope you have enjoyed these tips, please feel to ask any questions on photography by leaving a comment below and I’ll get straight back to you.