Taking good photographs depends more upon a person's technique than on the camera they use. By following a few simple steps, anyone can get the most from their camera.

• Keep your camera's lens clean by using a lint-free cloth.

• When it is time to take the photograph, take a firm stance, hold your breath, and squeeze the shutter gently. This will help prevent camera shake, which can result in a slightly blurred photo.

• Use a tripod or monopod to hold the camera steady for slower shutter speeds.

• If your photos sometimes appear blurry, and you are certain the camera was held steady for the shot, you may be unknowingly obscuring the autofocus windows. If your fingers, hair, camera strap, etc. are in front of these windows near the flash, you could be shutting down the autofocus system.

• If you know you will be taking fast action photos, try shooting with film speeds of 200, 400 or higher to allow for faster shutter speeds.

• When photographing running water, slower speed films will help to blur the water's movement giving the photo a feeling of motion.

• Remember to turn your camera and take vertical shots when conditions call for it, such as photographing people or buildings, when you want all of the subject in the shot.