Taking photographs can be as easy as point and click but here are a few simple ideas from Jacqui Hicks how to make the end result better.

I have been taking photographs since I was about 8 years old, starting with a Kodak Brownie 127, progressing through various pieces of equipment including an SLR Olympus OM10 which I loved and had a full set of Cokin filters (these helped to create sunsets, reflections and multi-faceted effects where there weren't actually any). This lies in the loft getting dusty in the age of digital cameras and computer imaging software. I now have a  Lumix Digital (Panasonic DMC-F228 in case you are interested).

The good thing about taking photos is that anyone can do it; young or old, male or female, amateur or professional. Also remember, it's not wrong - it's yours! Below are a few tips that might help if you are looking to improve.

So, framing the photo is the important thing! Getting what you want in the picture and not all the extraneous stuff  sometimes found when the photo is printed.

Imagine this - you give someone a print to look at and say "This is a photo of my dad on Caldy Island",  they hold it carefully in one corner gazing at a photo of cliff-top gorse and sea, then ask "Where is he?" and you have to reply "under your thumb".

How much better to have a nice photo of your dad filling the frame with a bit of gorse, but without litter bins, lamppost, pot plant or TV aerial coming out of his head.

After a while it becomes second nature but do take the time to not only look at what you are taking but also what is around in your frame.

I'm old fashioned and still like to look through the viewfinder when taking photos rather than looking at the big image on the back of the camera. I just flick that on to check a shot; but did you know that your battery will last longer if you don't have that large image display on all the time?
Taking photos indoors with natural light instead of flash will give you a much softer image - yes sometimes an orangey glow - all to do with shutter speeds. It will also be very out of focus if you don't have a steady hand because your shutter is open longer to get the light and if you move even a tiny amount your photo will not be sharp.

Another important thing to remember is the angle you are taking a photo from. Getting down to a child's height, or sitting down on the grass; crouching at the base of a church spire and looking up; being patient during that sunset or sunrise.

How often when visiting towns and cities do we go into a church or cathedral and gaze at statues and glass windows but leave without looking up at the ceiling? This year en route to our destination the family paid our second visit to Chartres hoping to re-walk the labyrinth; this was sadly covered in chairs but we wandered around happily, cameras in hand looking at the windows and searching for Noah's Ark - which someone told me is the oldest pictured on stained glass - please enlighten me if you know better.

One area was cordoned off and being naturally inquisitive I poked my head in to see why. What an amazing sight I saw. They are cleaning the stonework and here is the part cleaned so far. What an amazing difference. The stonework sings brightly instead of being murky and black, there is red and gold work on ceiling bosses. I really look forward to revisiting another year to see the light, bright interior which will be very impressive. This a shot to give you an impression of the before and after of this huge undertaking.

But most important of all, when taking photographs ... relax and have fun!

Jacqui Hicks