Direct eye contact can be as engaging in a picture as it is in real life. When taking a picture of someone, hold the camera at the persons eye level to unleash the power of those magnetic gazes and mesmerizing smiles. For children, that means stooping to their level. And your subject need not always stare at the camera. All by itself that eye level angle will create a personal and inviting feeling that pulls you into the picture.

Take control of your picture-taking and watch your pictures dramatically improve. Become a picture director, not just a passive picture-taker. A picture director takes charge. A picture director picks the location: Everybody go outside to the backyard. A picture director adds props: Girls, put on your pink sunglasses. A picture director arranges people: Now move in close, and lean toward the camera. Most pictures wont be that involved, but you get the idea: Take charge of your pictures and win your own best picture awards.