This article features some basic tips on how to shoot good photographs of people and animals for your scrapbook pages. We start with some simple things to keep in mind. Remember as with most things, use them as a guide - rules are meant to be broken and sometimes you will come out with great results when you just let the camera take over!

• Use the Rule of Thirds, also applied in crafts such as scrapbooking. Imagine the image being divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically to create grid of 9 equal squares. Where the lines intersect is where you should place your important element/s.
• Try varied heights and angles to create different effects.
• Keep the picture/background simple and where you can, use light on dark and dark on light.
• A great tip I came across was "shoot not objects but rather appearances". Try to keep this in mind.
• When photographing landscapes and horizons, look for the horizon to be snapped either straight or obviously offline. Having it slightly off line just makes your picture look 'wonky'. Don't forget that often photo editing software can give you rotation to the perfect alignment.

People

• Eyes are the most important key in taking pictures of people and animals as they say, the eyes are the windows to the soul.
• Keep your subjects active, even take shots of them interacting in their everyday activities or when they are unaware.
• Use locations that are familiar to your subject/s as this will relax them.
• Photograph at chest level for great, easy shots.
• Snap and zoom in on seemingly unimportant details.
• Making your subject/s feel comfortable is the key to taking great shots. Ask them to recount memorable moments and photograph the different expressions as their story progresses.
• Change camera positioning and angles for something different. 

Babies and Children 

• Photograph babies and children in sections and from different angles; take individual pictures of feet, hands face etc.
• Children are very curious and mischievous - try snapping them when they're doing their everyday duties and unaware of you.
• Get down to their level.
• Don't forget the many different faces of a child. Photograph not only happy expressions but pouts and tantrums too.
• If you have the ability to take continuous photos, this can be great for telling a story. As children can be so hard to keep still, this is an easy way to capture them in all of their activities.
• Don't be afraid of taking photos of your children in the bath or in their 'birthday suit'. This can often be irresistable to a parent... seeing their bubba's squishy little toosh! It can also be great to tease them with later in life!

Females

• For a softer, more feminine look, tilt your subject's head.
• Photograph females from a higher angle
• To slim your subject, point their shoulders toward the camera

Males

• For a solid, bulkier look, snap your subject straight and front on.
• Use an upward angle
• Incorporate props for the subject to lean against for a more relaxed look.

Pets and Animals

• Align yourself at your pet's level.
• Focusing on the eyes will make for a great shot.
• Keeping pets still can be challenging, try using toys to slow them down, or do the opposite and encourage them to be active.
• Avoid using a flash on glass items such as aquariums.
• Use a contrasting background.
• Use the same style for animals that you would for people