Make sure you have the right lighting before taking a photograph. Lighting is perhaps the most important factor in producing a good black and white photograph, because it affects the texture, contrast and shape of the image. Side lighting can produce some dramatic photographs as it creates shadows and highlights the edges of shapes.

Make sure you hold the camera correctly. Holding the camera correctly reduces the chance that an inopportune movement ruins your shot. Hold the camera with your arms close to your body and the palm of your hand under the camera to prevent the camera from falling or shaking.

You should think about getting a tripod. A good tripod offers you more stability and allows you to take your time composing your picture. Get a tripod that give you flexibility in height and positioning. Tripods are a useful tool for certain kinds of pictures only. Do not use a tripod if you are looking for a unusual angle.

Be mindful of the framing of your subject. What this means will vary by subject. For instance, if you are taking a picture of one person, getting a close shot where the subject fills the frame is your best bet, since details are important. On the other hand, a landscape shot might benefit from being further away, as you get the entire scene this way.

To create photographic images that resemble paintings, try having your photos printed onto matte or semi-gloss papers, then painting them by hand with photographic oils or pastels. These items can be picked up at most art supply stores and many camera shops. The most popular paints are made by Marshall\’s and are created specifically for use on photographs.

Do not shoot in full daylight. You are going to get some of your best photos on an overcast day. The bright sunlight can cause overexposure, loss of detail and terrible shadows. Shoot at dusk or at dawn on days that are not cloudy for optimum results in your photos.

If you are taking pictures in the sun during the spring or summer, make sure to turn the flash on. Failing to put the flash on your camera can result in a bad glare, which can taint your photos. Once you turn the flash on, you can take pictures as you usually would.

A good photography tip is to focus on subjects that interest you. If you find yourself taking pictures of things that don\’t interest you, it shouldn\’t come as a surprise when you see that people aren\’t interested in your photographs. Picking a subject that you\’re passionate about is very important.

When trying to take a good photograph, keep it simple. Don\’t fuss with all the bells and whistles your camera offers. Often, you can create a magnificent photo without having to play with different color settings and motion settings. Instead you\’ll find yourself wasting valuable time and missing photo opportunities.