Good for you! First, you must begin with research. Do not allow yourself to become overwhelmed by the vast amounts of information you may find. The next few paragraphs detail some practical tips that will get you started in the exciting world of photography.
Get as close to your subject as you need to. This allows you to eliminate disruptive backgrounds and frame your subject. It can also give you a better grasp of how to capture the emotions and expressions that define a great portrait. By being too far away from your subject, you often miss the minuscule details that can make a picture truly great.
If you are thinking about becoming a photographer for real, you will need the dSLR. This is a digital single-lens reflex camera, which provides the best method for seeing your subject immediately as the photo is taken. Full frame DSLR cameras will provide the largest image sensor, enabling you to capture extremely detailed photographs.
Check out what other photographers are doing to get ideas to improve your own photography. Their photos will help you remember that there are different ways that you can take a picture of a particular subject.
Blur the background when shooting photos of people. When the background is fully focused, the viewer will have trouble determining just what the focus of the picture was supposed to be. An easy way to do this is to make your background is further from your subject.
Always be careful when packing your equipment for a trip. Be sure to take all of the lenses that you will need, as well as spare batteries, a tripod, extra memory cards, and any cleaning accessories. Never take more stuff than you need on any particular photography trip.
You should now have a clue as to what you need to do to improve your photography skills. Feel free to revisit these suggestions or check back for fresh updates. Patience and persistence is key. With practice you will be taking great photos for your family to enjoy for generations.