Photography is equal parts science and art, with skills and vision playing crucial roles in the final results. Whether you are content with an amateur’s level of photographic skills or you aspire to be the next Ansel Adams, these tips will take you one step further in understanding the process.

In order to take good pictures, get closer to what you want to photograph. Many cameras allow you to zoom in on your object, but you will get a better quality photo if you actually get closer instead of relying on the zoom feature. Besides, you need to take a good look at what you are taking a picture of so as to get a better feel for it.

A dSLR is an essential tool if you seek to take more professional photographs or to seriously embrace photography itself. This is a digital single-lens reflex camera, which provides the best method for seeing your subject immediately as the photo is taken. The larger the camera’s frame, the better it is for budding photographers. Try a full-frame camera so that you can get the exact images you want.

When taking a picture, try to take one at a medium distance and then take one closer. You may decide later on that a picture would have looked better had you taken it a little closer. Also, try to make sure your subject is toward the center of the picture.

Pay attention to your background. Your main focus should be on your object, but you should use the background to support it. Avoid any unnecessary distractions and clean your background to report the attention on your object. Play with lines and perspective in your background to compliment the shape of your object.

By learning more about photographic technique through these tips, you are on track to a better artistic understanding of photography. Practice often to cement what you’ve learned into your memory, and use what you know to create photographs which represent who you are.