With the wonders of digital technology even a fairly basic digital camera is generally pretty good these days. 
By thinking a little bit more about how you are using your camera you can maximise the potential for your photographs and may be surprised by how much better your photos can be!

Here are my top 5 tips:

1. Try and get level with whatever you are photographing. So for example if you are taking a photo of a child then get down so you are at the same eye level of the child.

2. Use your feet before you use the zoom button! The quality of your photos will always be better if you can get a closer shot without using the zoom function on the camera.

3. Take a look at the background to your photograph, make sure it doesn't look like you have a tree growing out of the top of your subjects head!

4. Direct the subjects in your photo if you are trying to take a portait of someone. Tell them where to stand, and what you want them to do. Not always easy with children but if you turn it into a game it can be quite fun!

5. We often take photos holding the camera horizontally. Quite a few subjects look better when you use the camera vertically however. Next time you take a portait photograph or photo of a building try using the camera in a vertical position.