TGIF! photo tips!!!

Sad Sad Sad.... Not a single person "put there hat in the ring" and sent me a picture, how sad is that!! Clearly you guys aren't getting your cameras out enough, or maybe no one is even reading these, i guess that too could be an option... Question for you all: What do you want to know about taking a better picture or editing an almost perfect photo??? Todays tip is on processing your pictures: DON'T BE AFRAID TO CROP OUT THE UNWANTED ELEMENTS OF YOUR PICTURES TO MAKE IT A CLEARER SHOT OF THE SUBJECT MATTER!! How ever as a rule, centering your subject isn't the best way to compose your photo... Keep in mind the rule of thirds!!! (definition taken from wikipedia) The rule of thirds is a compositional rule of thumb in visual arts such as painting, photography and design.[1] The rule states that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.[2] Proponents of this technique claim that aligning an image with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would. The photograph to the right demonstrates the application of the rule of thirds. The horizon sits at the horizontal line dividing the lower third of the photo from the upper two-thirds. The tree sits at the intersection of two lines, sometimes called a power point. Points of interest in the photo don't have to actually touch one of these lines to take advantage of the rule of thirds. For example, the brightest part of the sky near the horizon where the sun recently set does not fall directly on one of the lines, but does fall near the intersection of two of the lines, close enough to take advantage of the rule. The rule of thirds can be applied by lining up subjects with the guiding lines, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line instead of the center, or allowing linear features in the photograph to flow from section to section. In addition, many photographers recommend treating any "rule" of composition as more of a guideline, since pleasing photographs can often be made while ignoring one or more such rules..... the rule of thirds is still something I myself have to work on... I like things centered!! That is all from me for now, however remember this holiday season to pay it forward, do something nice just cause, smile and remember how lucky you really are!! BTW Life is short....TAKE MORE PICTURES!!!