Do you wish you could take photographs like a professional? You are not alone. Those who are serious might take a photography course or two, and that can make a dramatic difference in the quality of your photos. If you really just want a few ideas and guidelines, however, there are plenty of places to go for help.There are great photography tips online, for instance. You can find hints for taking better photos of all kinds of subjects in all sorts of circumstances.. Even with a top of the line camera-especially with a top of the line camera-you cannot get good shots if you do not know how to use it to its full advantage. Knowing about lighting and shutter speeds is a good start. Outside, for example, you should avoid bright, direct sunlight (usually something the novice heads straight for) because it creates harsh light and shadow.One reason many people invest in a good camera is to take memorable pictures of their children. With kids, you always have to be ready. Catch them when they are engrossed in play, covered with beets and creamed spinach, or hugging a sibling. Remember, kids move fast so you cannot wait for the “perfect” moment. Just shoot, and the closer you get, the better! Avoid background distractions; your child is the focus.Photographing gorgeous landscapes is another goal to which many amateur photographers aspire. Inspired by greats like Ansel Adams, it is easy to get excited about capturing the drama and majesty of beautiful natural settings. It takes a phenomenal amount of patience to catch such shots, however. Ansel Adams was known to wait more than a day for the conditions he wanted, whether it was the right lighting or a certain type of cloud bank. Landscape photography is one of the most important instances where knowing about tripods, filters, exposure times, and lighting are critical. A few technical photography tips can make a big difference in your results.Behind every great photographer is a full bag of tricks. If you want to take better pictures, it pays to glean what you can from the professionals. Whether you want to preserve rich photographic memories of your children, your pets, a vacation to the Rockies, or the beauty of your garden, you can learn a lot by listening to the pros.