Whether you are an aspiring photographer or a snap-happy proud parent, this handpicked selection of the best and brightest photography tips, is sure to get you well on your way to becoming the next Ansel Adams. Learn how to create beautiful, composed shots and infuse each photo with creativity and beauty.

The right lighting is very important when establishing a certain tone or mood. Be clear about the type of lighting you want in your photographs and don't just settle for whatever lighting is available.

When you have the perfect shot in view and you are ready to push the shutter, make sure that you hold your breath and do not move an inch. Any slight movement can ruin a shot. Take a spare second, right before hitting the shutter button, to hold your breath and get a straight shot.

When you are taking landscape photos, consider the sky. If the sky is rather bland and boring, do not let it dominate the photo. If the sky is lit up with wonderful colors (especially during sunrise, sunset or a storm) it is okay to let the sky dominate the photo.

Do your best to make your models feel at ease, especially if you do not know them. A lot of people look at someone taking pictures as a potential threat. Be friendly, strike up a conversation and ask permission to take pictures. Make people understand photography is an art rather than an invasion of their privacy.

Take lots of shots. Using a digital camera allows you to take essentially an infinite number of photos for free. The more shots you take, the better your chances are of capturing that perfect moment. If your shot didn't come out like you wanted, try again with different settings. You won't learn if you don't try.

Stand close to what you are trying to take a picture of. This way, the object will cover the entire screen. This works really well when taking a picture of a flower or other non-living object. If you can not get close enough, use the zoom button on your camera.

As with all things in life, your photography skills can not improve if you do not get out there and practice! Digital photography has opened up a whole new world to those who may have been previously afraid to put their skills to the test. Without the fear of wasting film and development costs, you can feel free to snap away and learn from the good and the bad.

Make use of panning for some great and interesting shots. This means following the image with your camera. When applied correctly to your shooting conditions, you will end up with sharp details on your subject matter. You will also end up with a motion blur on everything else, making for a great shot.

Every picture you take needs a focal point. Determine your focal point before you snap the picture. When trying to determine the focal point, try to think about what will draw the viewer in. Keep the focal point simple, if you use too many focal points it will only confuse the view. You do not have to make your focal point be the center of the picture, but it does need to stand out.

When you are trying to capture that perfect panoramic shot, it is important that you use a tripod. The tripod will help you take a few steady shots of the view you want to capture. Later on this will make it easier for you to piece it all together to get that panoramic view.

When it's time to print your photographs from a digital camera, always choose papers made specifically for photographic images. Plain papers are uncoated and diffuse the ink, while inkjet photo papers have a sturdy base and are coated with ink-absorbing surfaces. Try a matte paper for an elegant, artistic finish.

Using the tips and tricks that you've just read, you can give yourself an excellent head start in building a creative and diverse photography portfolio. This knowledge will help you as you develop your skills in portraiture, landscape photography, sports and action shots, and even macro shots that bring you up close and personal with your subject matter.