Looking to learn how to take better digital pictures? Not all photographers would give you the exact same tips when telling you how to improve your digital photo-taking. Every one, professional or otherwise, seems to have their own ideas about how to take a great digital photo.

I like to think I take great pictures myself... it's a huge part of the reason I like to make my own photo books. I think my photos look nice! But not being a professional photographer, I didn't want to lead anybody astray... after all, what works for me and my digital camera might not work for you or yours!

So in order to put together this quick guide on how to take better digital pictures, I decided to look for outside help. Professional help! I reviewed three different digital photo taking resources:

"10 Questions to Ask When Taking a Digital Photo" by Digital Photography School

"Top Ten Tips" on the Kodak Photography site, and

Digital Photography Secrets' Free Mini-Course

All of these resources offered some great ideas on how to take better digital pictures at home. Some of these tips were professional-level advice on taking great photos, while other were simple-to-follow ideas for amateur photographers to improve their digital photos.

But my favorite --and the most useful-- tips for how to take better digital pictures are below... these three photography tips are simple, clear, and will really improve the quality and appearance of your photos. After all, what better way to make the best photo books than to take the best photos, right?

1. Move in Closer
This is my favorite rule of all three (which is why I put it first!) and the quickest way to take better digital pictures... especially if you're looking to design a photo book. Shots that fill the frame tend to be more dramatic. Why does this help? This simple digital photography tip tends to reduce the amount of clutter in the image and focus more on your subjects' faces. And for most photos, that's just what you want!

2. Follow the "Rule of Three"
Imagine that your digital photo is divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Placing your subjects on the imaginary intersection points of these lines makes for a more pleasing picture. Do not place your subject in the middle of the box! The Rule of Three seems to be the Holy Grail of photography. This is a tip to improve digital photos that even the professionals use!

3. Determine the Main Source of Light
Different lighting can change the mood and feel of a shot, or be the difference between a mediocre and stunning shot. Setting up good lighting and photographing with your lighting rather than against it will really give you better digital pictures.

More Ways to Improve Your Digital Pictures

Want to learn more and take better digital pictures right away? There are lots of pay programs out there. But there are also lots of free ones. One of my favorites is this one:

from Digital Photo Secrets.com. This course covers 20 different things you can do to improve your digital pictures... and thereby improve your photo books, family photos, and beautifully record your favorite memories.

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