POINTERS About picture-taking
Use the camera to tell a story. But also remember to KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid).
Professional photographers work at seeing things just the way the camera does. An amateur photographer, on the other hand, has to work to identify the limits of working in two dimensions.
Be mindful of things like lamp posts "growing" out of people's heads, or "cutting off" people at the knees or ankles. Think in terms of including a visual base for your subject.
Compose and frame the shot with care. If there is a horizon (or anything that might appear as a horizon), avoid having it exactly at the middle. To regain the sense of three dimensions, consider working from an angle (high, low, left or right) rather than shooting straight on. Avoid distracting reflections (windows, mirrors, framed pictures, etc.).
An off-center subject can give the photo flow and depth. Imagine a person standing in a hallway where the end of the hall is in the upper left corner. Or include a secondary element. For example, have a child in the foreground, lower right corner, with a sandbox or Christmas tree in the background, upper left corner.
Have the children doing something, like stringing popcorn, hanging Christmas ornaments or wrapping presents. If one is particularly shy, she can be looking at what she's doing rather than the camera.
If you're shooting outside on a sunny day, use a flash for fill. That way your image will be more evenly lit, facial shadows will be softened and colors will appear more vibrant.
Working with someone who freezes at the sight of a camera? Have him yawn several times before taking the shot. The yawn will loosen the facial muscles and, usually, a more natural smile then results. It might help to click the shutter twice in close succession; the second shot often catches more genuine and relaxed smiles.
Finally, focus on the eyes. To minimize the risk of redeye when using flash, stand above your subject, ask the subject not to look directly toward the lens, or bounce the flash off the ceiling or wall.
Source: "Photographing People," by Cliff Hollenbeck and The Vindicator staff