There are many elements of design that we use on our scrapbook pages that will also help us to design wonderful photos. Two of these elements are centering and perspective.

While for many shots you may want to center your subjects, an off-center subject will give your photo a sense of movement and create interest. To focus on an off-center image with an auto-focus camera, point your camera at your subject and partially depress the shutter. Holding down the shutter button partially, move the camera until your subject is off center then fully depress the shutter. (This focusing technique also works when shooting a photo with two or more subjects. Focus on one subject that is close to center (by partially depressing your shutter button) and then keeping this focus reposition your camera and take the shot.

Perspective in photos can refer to a few different ideas: (1) where you are in relation to your subject, (2) the size of your subject in relation to the objects around it, or (3) how close you are to your subject.

Taking photos is not a stationary proposition. Get up and get moving. When your subject is set get ready to move all around. Try snapping some shots from beside and behind your subject. Move up above your subject. Or get down low to the ground and aim up to your subject. Don’t be afraid to experiment. You’ll get some interesting results.

If you are trying to take a photo of a group (posed or lined up) and are having trouble seeing everyone’s face, try standing on a chair. Your subjects will look up at you creating an interesting perspective and you will be able to see everyone’s face more easily. This works very well if you have many people in the photo and they are all similar in height.

Or try the opposite (beware--this one’s for the adventurous only!) Lie on your back on the floor and look up with your camera. Have your subjects “huddle” around you (putting their arms around each other's shoulders. Then click away. Makes a great kid's party shot!

You can create interesting prints by combining subjects and props/settings of very different sizes. Try sitting your tiny toddler in grandpa’s huge rocking chair. Or put your not-so-small-anymore teen beside his first riding toy! The contrast of sizes will create an interesting portrait. A great album idea: photograph your family or a child once a year in the same location. You’ll be amazed how much you’ll notice their growth when compared to a stationary object.

Zoom allows you to get a close-up shot of your subject without being close enough to distract the person you are photographing. This feature is great for small children. And, in my opinion, if your camera has the capability you can’t get too close to your subject's face if you are trying to get an interesting portrait shot. Some of my favorite shots are ones that are close enough to only show a portion of the subject's face. BUT all cameras and lenses have a focal length. Focal length is the distance from your subject to the camera lens. (For example: If a lens has a focal length of 18”, you must be at least 18” from your subject before you will get a photo that is in focus. If you are closer, your photo will be blurry.) If you have a point and shoot camera check your owner’s manual for focal length information. If it does not tell you, you may have to take some “test” photos (shoot from varying focal lengths--12”, 18”, 24”) and see where you achieve your best focus. With an SLR, check the owner’s manual for your lens. Most will specify a focal length.