To take pictures with today's cameras is a lot easier than those yesterday. However, there is always room to improve. The following tips will assist you to improve your photographs greatly.
Always be aware of the background. You don't want to find trees sticking out from people's heads or a passing vehicle to distract the photo composition. Sometimes moving your subject a little to either side can make very much difference.
Use the natural light available. If your digital camera has an option to switch the flash off and there is enough light outside to read a book, it os better to utilize the available light and switch the flash off. In general camera flashes are too harsh for human skin and and as a result everyone has a pale complexion. Inside a building, where there isn't enough natural light, position your subject next to a window and utilize your fill flash function. More... / Hide...
Aim your camera at somewhere below the person's face. Also don't shoot shoot the person's face squarely, adjust a little to side, a three quarter view, so that you more of their face is exposed. A camera higher, look down, and three quarter view will make your subject slimmer.
Keep in mind what is your focus. Get close to your subject. Fill up the frame with your subject to leave no doubt about what your picture is trying to tell.
Never position your subject in the center of the picture. Move the subject just somewhat off center — not much, just a little. When you're taking photos of groups of people, imagine where the center point of your group is and position that center just a little off center as you view through your camera lens or LCD screen.
Following these tips won't let you take award-winning photographs immediately, but you will become a better, more powerful photographer. You, your family and friends will notice that.