Making pictures is more fun than taking pictures

What's the difference between taking a picture and making a picture? Taking one involves just pointing your camera at a subject and clicking the shutter (although some digital cameras don't have a shutter).

Making a picture, on the other hand, means looking at a subject or scene carefully; then thinking about which elements you want in or out of the picture to tell the story you want to tell; then looking for a creative composition; then thinking about the lighting; and, finally, clicking the shutter.

I do both. I take pictures -- especially when I'm traveling, when I see a scene that will be gone in a split second. However, when I have the opportunity, I make pictures -- setting up a scene before I snap the shutter for a more creative image.

I'll share a few ideas of how you can turn a snapshot into a great shot -- by making, rather than taking, a picture.

Controlling the light

When photographing a person outdoors, try to "see the light," that is, the light falling on the subject's face. If it is too harsh, use a diffuser to soften it. If there is not enough light, try using a reflector to bounce some onto the subject's face.

Indoors, try to take a natural-light picture; it will be more pleasing than a flash shot. Try to position your subject close to a window or door -- where he, she or it will be illuminated by side lighting.

Controlling the elements and-or subjects

Most of the time, to make a picture, you need to rearrange the subjects or elements in a scene -- so they fit nicely in the frame, so the background complements the picture, and so they are nicely illuminated. Composing a scene, which might include completely rearranging the furniture and fixtures in a room, might take some time, but it's worth it. Think props

Simple props really can make a picture. Even something as simple as a hat or sunglasses can improve a picture. Also, try to have the person doing something -- rather than just standing there. Walking, waving, running or jumping can all be used to make a picture. Having your subject hold a guitar, football, lacrosse stick or the like also can add interest.

Rick Sammon is the author of 21 photography, nature and conservation books.