How to take nice professional photos?

Question

Does anyone know any nice internet guides or can write a good detailed guide on how to take nice pictures? Real photographer looking, not too arts-y.

I have a digital camera, kind of out dated already...

Answer 1

Digital or film?
Single lens reflex with an adjustable lens or a fixed focus camera?
Optional flash or one you cannot control?
Are you shooting indoors or outside?
Can you control the lighting in the area where you are shooting?

Each of those opens areas that can make your picture more professional looking, depending on what you are shooting.

Since I don't know any of those answers -

Make sure there is adequate lighting, and that it is not coming from the back of whatever or whomever you are shooting.

Don't try to include everything, but be close enough to get good detail on what or who is being shot.

Keep it simple.

Take your time composing the picture - make sure you have not cut off a head, or have a branch coming out of someone's ear, things like that.

Take LOTS of pictures - the more times you click, the better the chance you will get a good shot. Some of the most famous photographs in history have been accidents.

Finally - when you have finished - take the time to go through each picture carefully. What do you like about it - what don't you like. What could you have done differently. Analyze the pictures carefully and in detail, so the NEXT time, you'll do better.

Good luck.

Answer 2

"Professional" is a term usually used for those who have spend a lot of time and effort to become proficient. A few tips here and there won't make you one, but there are a few gems I'd try.
First off, I'd get a good photo editing program. Good doesn't mean expensive. I love Picasa. It's free @ http://picasa.google.com. That way you can practice cropping. Pros crop--they have a good eye and try to shoot the best shot right out of the camera but if the shot doesn't work, it's almost a lock that a different crop can make it interesting. Chances are that most pros honed their eye cropping bad images into good ones. Eventually you start to see the good shot in the moment.
Secondly, show your shots to people who know. Frequenting sites like http://www.photosig.com can teach you a lot. Don't be afraid to take constructive criticism but also remember that art is subjective and personal.
On the practical side, learn to use a fill-flash. Nearly every camera has the function and it makes a huge difference in tough lighting situations.
That's about all I can say without knowing what type of stuff you want to shoot and what equipment you have.
Just have a good time, shoot a lot, and remember that if you like a photo, that's what counts.
Here's a good photo magazine that has a lot of articles on technique. http://www.apogeephoto.com/PFYP.shtml

Answer 3

Always think about the light first.. Avoid to much sun or too much shade. think about the contrasts. never shoot too far away from your subject. never ask people to pause. take them off guard, makes the best pics.
try to frame the subject with some perspective behind it.
look at the background, for instance a phone pole or an electric line ruin the best pic... and be sure that more you take pics more you will have a chance to get a good one and to learn what mistakes you made. good luck

Answer 4

Go look out for small details in the angle of the shot and the distance of the shot.
A shot from the top will make people look smaller while at a lower angle make people look bigger.

Answer 5

You must study and practice. Try this directory of tips and tutorials: http://www.net-art.it/photomonitor/enter.html

Answer 6

http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tips