After reading through this article you should have a better understanding of how the top photographers take their photos for maximum result.
Firstly, if you are taking a photo of something much smaller than you, or if you have to angle the camera downwards to take the photo, then you are going at it wrong.
Make sure that you get down to the level of the thing that you will be taking a photo of, and then take the photo.
Secondly, make sure you use a plain background.
Check the area behind your subject to guarantee it is not cluttered- a cluttered background will be distracting, but a plain background will emphasize your subject.
Whether you are inside or outside, make sure you use the flash on your camera.
Use it even in bright sunlight in order to illuminate dark shadows under the eyes and nose.
If the sun is directly overhead, or behind the subject, then it is very important that you make use of the flash setting.
Furthermore, make sure that you move in close in order to fill the photo with your subject.
Either move a few steps close or use the zoom, this will result in you eliminating background distractions and will emphasize the detail of your subject.
Also make sure you take note of the way that the light will be reflected in your photo.
Great light makes great pictures; therefore it is important that you study the effects that the light will create.
For people pictures, try to include the soft lighting of cloudy days.
Make sure you avoid overhead sunlight that will cast shadows on people's faces.
Finally, lock the focus in order to create a sharp picture of off-centre subjects.
Make sure you centre the subject, then press the shutter half way down, then re-frame your picture, then finish by pressing the shutter button all the way down.