There are a few rules that  every beach photographer should try to follow…

Using your digital camera to shoot picturesque scenes at a beach seems like a natural. All you have to do is point and click to get some wonderful photos, right?

Actually not quite. There’s one important rule you should remember when shooting beach photography: the rule of thirds.

Most amateur photographers make the same mistake when shooting at a beach. They put the beach’s horizon line in the very center of their photograph. This might seem to make sense when you’re snapping that photo.

But doing this actually results in some mediocre shots. And you are also missing the chance to turn these average photos into something a lot more impressive.

Take a look at your beach photography. If the horizon line is in the center of your photo, you’ll notice that it cuts your photo in half. This takes away any drama from your photos. It also draws the eyes of viewers away from the smaller details in your beach scene that give your shot its unique personality.

Instead of placing the horizon line in the middle of your beach shot, then, consider following the rule of thirds. This rule has guided amateur photographers to great shots for many years.

The rule of thirds calls for photographers to place the horizon line in either the bottom third or top third of your shots. This results in beach photography that is more pleasing to the eye. Viewers might not be able to figure out why your beach photos look so appealing. But you’ll know it’s because of the rule of thirds.

Before snapping your photo with your digital camera, survey the scene around. You’ll need to find something to frame your shot with, something to anchor your shot. If you’re shooting a beach scene, a natural frame might be towering sand dunes or groves of palm trees.

By framing your shot with these elements, you create a nice contrast between the beach and its horizon line. Again, it’s a way to create a photo that is visually stunning, and of professional quality.

Before snapping that shot, make sure there’s nothing in your digital camera’s line of vision that will be distracting or visually unappealing. Perhaps there’s a trash can on the beach that will be visible in your shot. Maybe there’s an unattended beach bag or a crumpled beach towel in the shot.

If you do find an unwanted object in your shot, either move it or change your shot. Either way, you don’t want the object to find its way in your finished photo.

By following the rule of thirds, you’ll soon be taking professional level beach shots.

Just remember: Don’t put that horizon line in the center of your shot!

Here are some quick tips you can use to help with your candid photography.

Many owners of digital cameras are happy to fill photos albums with the standard shots of smiling relatives and friends staring back at them. But others want to use their digital cameras to capture real-life moments as they happen.

Capturing these candid shots isn’t always easy, but there are some tips you can easily learn to improve your candid photography success.

The first, and most important, tip is for you as a photographer to always bring your camera with you at all times, wherever you go. That’s because you never know when the opportunity for a candid photo will arrive or present it itself.

What if you can predict that something is about to happen to someone who is not aware of your presence and you know it;s going to make a great shot, But no camera means no shot – so you should always be prepared!

Also, don’t be shy when searching for candid shots. You might see someone on the bus laughing loudly or looking really thoughtful or sad. Snap that shot! It might make for an impressive photo, or maybe it won’t. But you’ll never know until you actually take the shot.

However keep your distance and keep hidden so as not to disturb your subject, otherwise the shot might never happen.

There’s an important rule regarding candid photography that you must remember: The opportunity for a candid shot rarely lasts long. And when it’s gone, it’s gone. If you’re timid about snapping the shot, you’ll rarely get a second chance.

Also, don’t spend time worrying about fancy lighting techniques when you’re shooting candid photography. Candid photography isn’t about perfection.

It’s about capturing a real moment in real time. You’re looking for emotion, humor or drama in your candid shots, not ideal lighting.

Besides, when using a digital camera, it’s a simple process to fix any lighting problems or other mistakes. Simply edit your candid photography on your computer by using your favorite editing software. Photoshop, although a little expensive, is great for this.

Don’t forget, either, that your zoom lens is an indispensable tool in your candid photography efforts. This allows you to get close-ups without getting too close to your subjects. This is key: If people notice you and your camera, they’re not apt to give you many candid moments to shoot.

By following these simple tips for candid photography, you’ll soon be able to fill an entire photo album with shots that are quirky, unpredictable, fun or sad.

It’s really up to you, and what you want to capture.