With today's automatic digital cameras almost anyone, even you (Hey! It's just a joke…), can produce a sharp, well-exposed image, and almost professional. What will set you apart from other rookie photographers (like your friends…) is how well you arrange and compose your digital photos.

We have several tips for you that will help you create eye-catching compositions -and transform your digital photos from simple snapshots into professional works of art.

1. Do follow the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a compositional rule of thumb in photography based upon the theory of the golden ratio.

Placing your subject off-center creates an interesting, dynamic image. Imagine your photograph divided into three horizontal and vertical sections. To compose a well-balanced, off-center shot, place your subject near the intersections of the imaginary grid lines.

As we said, the four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. Proponents of this technique claim that aligning a photograph with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would.

The application of this rule is considered by many (including "us"…) to make them more aesthetic and professional. 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 the subject(s) to flow from section to section, as is done in the following example photographs:

2. Do get close

If your subject is interesting, get close to it (It must be if your taking it a photo!). Your goal is to fill the picture area with the subject you are photographing. Up close you can reveal telling details, like a sprinkle of freckles or an arched eyebrow. Don't let your pictures suffer from the "Grandma at the Grand Canyon" syndrome, with a tiny subject and lots of boring, irrelevant space.

But don't get too close or your pictures will be blurry. The closest focusing distance for most cameras is about three feet, or about one step away from your camera. If you get closer than the closest focusing distance of your camera, your pictures will be blurry.

3. Do try unusual angles

Be bold! Change your position to emphasize or exaggerate how big or small your subject is. Try turning your camera to 45 degrees before snapping a picture. Or instead of snapping it from eye level, kneel down or lie on the ground to get a more interesting shot. Or you can also move your camera right or left only a few feet to change the composition dramatically.

4. Do use leading lines

Select a camera angle where the natural lines of the scene lead the viewers' eyes into the picture and toward your main center of interest. You can find such a line in a road, a fence, even a shadow. Diagonal lines are dynamic; curved lines are flowing and graceful. You can often find the right line by moving around and choosing an appropriate angle.

5. Do frame your subject

Try framing your picture with foreground objects to add depth to the image.

6. Do avoid cluttered backgrounds

Don't let a cluttered background overwhelm or obscure your subject. Use a plain backgrounds: a plain background shows off the subject you are photographing. When you look through the camera viewfinder, force yourself to study the area surrounding your subject: move around, or lie down, to get a clear shot at your subject without the distractions. Make sure no poles grow from the head of your favorite niece and that no cars seem to dangle from her ears.

7. Do look for interesting reflections and shadows

Reflections and shadows lend a touch of artistry to an otherwise plain picture. They can provide meaningful contrasts (such as an old building reflected in a modern high rise) or depth (such as the shadow of trees along a wooded path).

8. Do take a lot of shots

This tip is pretty simple and straightforward, but it is very important and can determine whether you come home with some good images or not. Let us stress this, "TAKE A LOT OF SHOTS!!!" It's just digital space, you can take a lot of photos and not worry about wasting money on film.