10 tips for better photography

Aoife Cannon of Sustainable Energy Ireland has some advice for environmental photographers.

Get closer Take a photograph each time you spot a subject, then move in closer for a better shot. Having your subject almost fill the frame helps your viewer appreciate your photo. Also, details are often more interesting than an overall view.

Shoot quickly If your subject might move, fly away, stop smiling or get tired, take one photograph straight away. You can take more careful ones afterwards.

Compose with care Keep the horizon level, crop out elements you are uninterested in, place your subject where you think it most belongs in the photograph and play with perspective, so all lines show a pattern or lead the eye to the subject.

Be selective Decide what you're really interested in, then focus on getting the best photograph of it. Watch your borders for unattractive telephone wires, rubbish, distracting signs - and your fingers.

Focus on your subject Practise shooting with different apertures. A small depth of field (blurry background) is great for taking pictures of people. A greater depth of field (everything in focus) suits photographs of landscapes.

Experiment with time Use a slow shutter speed and a tripod to capture a river or stream. Use a fast shutter speed to capture an object in motion.

Look at the light Which way are the shadows falling? Unless you want a silhouette effect, it's best to shoot with the sun behind you.

Watch the weather If it's overcast, keep the sky out of your pictures as much as possible. Black-and-white photographs of an overcast day may be more pleasing than colour ones. Make the most of clear blue skies.

Keep it simple Instead of relying on a fully automatic camera mode, pick a simple, semi-automatic one, such as aperture priority, and master it. Then you'll be able to control certain basics without letting the other basics control you. If you want one accessory, bring a tripod, which can prevent shaking and help you get beautiful evening shots.

Be bold Don't be overcome by fears about whether you're using the right film or settings. And if you're afraid of upsetting someone by taking their photograph, ask first if it's OK. With wildlife, adopt a low-impact method when you go where few photographers have gone before.

Be wise . . . but be bold.