J. Walter Green attributes good instincts to his ability to take great photos. Here are some more tips from Kodak.com on how to get the shots you want.

• Get Down on Their Level: Hold the camera at eye level to capture the power of those magnetic gazes and mesmerizing smiles.

• Use a Plain Background: A cluttered background can be distracting, while a plain background will emphasize your subject.

• Use Flash Outdoors: Even outdoors, use a fill flash to improve your pictures. It’s great for lightening dark shadows under the eyes and nose.

• Move in Close: To create more impactful pictures, move in close and fill your picture with the object.

• Take Vertical Pictures: Some objects look better in a vertical picture (e.g., the Eiffel Tower.)

• Lock the Focus: Lock the focus to ensure a sharp image when the object is off-center.

• Move it From the Middle: Imagine a tic-tac-toe in your viewfinder. Now place the subject at one of the intersections of lines. Remember to lock in the focus.

• Know Your Flash’s Range: Pictures taken beyond the maximum range will look too dark. For many cameras that’s only ten feet. Read your manual.

• Watch the Light: Great light makes great pictures. For people, avoid overhead sun that casts harsh shadows across faces.

• Be the Director: Don’t just be a passive picture taker. Add some props, rearrange your subjects, or try a different viewpoint.