1 hold it steady

Hold the camera steady. Use both hands, resting your elbows on your chest, or use a wall for support. Relax: don’t be tense. Take a breath before you press the shutter and exhale once you've pressed it.{C}

2 put the sun behind you

Always think about how the light is hitting your subject. Move around so the sun is behind you and to one side. Front lighting brings out colour and shades, and because you're at an angle you'll get some textures and form.

3 get closer

Simple shots are usually better shots - so move closer and remove any clutter from the picture. Most ‘people’ shots they don’t show the whole body. Move close, fill the frame with just the face, or even overflow it. Give your shot some impact. Use a zoom if you like to crop the image tighter.

4 choose a format

Which way you hold the camera affects what is emphasised in your shot. For tall things, a vertical format emphasises height. Use a horizontal format to show the dramatic sweep of a landscape.

5 include people

Don't just shoot empty landscapes or building shots. Include some of your friends or family, or even people passing by to add human interest and context. If there’s no one around, include yourself with the self-timer.

Adding a person can help show the scale of something, say the height of a building or some magnificent scenery.

6 variety

Spice up your collection by adding variety. Use close ups and wide angles, good weather and bad weather. Take personal shots that remember the ‘being there’ — friends that you meet, your hotel, transportation and signposts will all be good to look back on.

7 add depth

Depth is important - it can stop the picture looking flat and make it look almost 3D. You want the viewer to think they are looking at a scene - through a window onto another world. Add pointers to assist the eye. If your subject is a distant mountain, add a person or a tree in the foreground. A wide angle lens can exaggerate this perspective.

8 proportion

The beauty of an image is often in its proportions. A popular technique with artists is called the Rule of Thirds. Imagine the frame divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, like a Tic-Tac-Toe board. Now place your subject on one of the lines or intersections.

Always centering your subject can get dull. Use the Rule of Thirds to add variety and interest.

9 look for details

Don't always think you have to 'shoot wide' and show the whole scene. Think of detail that may make the image more interesting and special. Perhaps the texture of a tree is more than exciting than a really wide shot of the whole tree.{C}

10. position the horizon

Where you place the horizon in your shot affects what is emphasised. To show the land, use a high horizon. To show the sky, use a low horizon. Think.

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Until next time, happy snapping!