For years we have used the film camera until a new breed had emerged. This new breed of camera is now commonly known as the digital camera. What's the difference? Well, with a digital camera you can say goodbye to films and of course no more waiting in line just to have a roll of film developed.

With a digital camera, you no longer have to worry about wasting films because you can't seem to get one shot right. Other than that, you can also edit the pictures once you have transferred if from your camera's memory card to your computer. Although you can retake pictures as many times as you want, with a digital camera it still pays to get the perfect shot with just one click. This is very essential especially when you are dealing with kids. So make sure the following elements are in place before you snap a picture.

1. Background or Location. You wouldn't want to snap pictures with a horrible background won't you? If you are having a planned photo shoot, make sure that you have set up the background as perfect as possible. If you are just snapping randomly, avoid snapping pictures with backgrounds like a messed up bed, untidy dinner table or a topsy turvy living room.

Again, if it is planned you can always snap pictures on the garden making the flowers and other garden items as the background. The background is important because this can also command attention. A viewer wouldn't miss a bad background on your picture.

2. Lighting. This element is the one that creates drama to your pictures. Do not snap pictures with the light right behind your subject because this will turn your subject into a shadow after you snapped the picture. An overhead light is ok but it is best to take your pictures in the afternoon because it is neither bright nor dim. The afternoon light also emits a warm glow on the picture.

3. Subjects. It is better to take pictures when you are a little closer to your subject because you will be able to capture every single detail of that moment shown on their faces. Make sure that your subject is comfortable because when they are uneasy the awkward feeling they have will surely show on the picture. If you shoot too far, all the facial expression will be lost or barely seen.

4. Smile. You take pictures in order to capture a memory so try to make your subjects smile whenever you are taking pictures; unless it's for a magazine that you are shooting. “Cheese” may work but it doesn't capture the effect of a natural smile. So instead of saying cheese tell your subjects a small joke. A natural smile is heart warming.

5. Pose. If you want your subjects to look more natural in the picture do not tell them how or where to pose. Allow them to find the pose or spot they are comfortable with. When your subjects are comfortable with their pose it will look more natural on the picture.