I'm never prouder than when an awesome photo I took gets a ton of views and comments on Flickr, and maybe (just maybe) a stranger subscribes to my photostream! It's a nice accomplishment for a part-time pic snapper like myself. I'm not saying I'm Annie Leibovitz in any way, but I've offered up an informative how-to or two of my own to help you take the best snapshots you can and work with what you've got.

Whether you have a digital camera, a Polaroid, a Lomo, or a sweet camera phone, then you've got the potential to take great photos, no experience required. Photography is for everyone, not just those who get paid to do it! Take a look at my photo how-to roundup for a refresher, or to help you take some awesome shots for the first time when you read more.

• DIY Photography: Jump right in and get a boatload of info from everything from inspiration, to adjusting your color levels on this super-informative site.
• Looking good and feeling good are two important points whether you are in front of, or behind the camera!
• But if you're strictly the front-of-camera type, I can give you some pointers on how to look your best, and avoid blinking for perfect shots every time!
• Besides, learning how to pose like a celebrity (and how to make those demanding subjects look thin) is a skill everyone should know!
• Love the holidays? Not only can you learn how to make that gooey, fake blood look real on Halloween, but capture those shiny, happy Christmas lights like a pro, too!
• Speaking of holidays, we all know how boring all those birthday photos can get of you blowing out the candles, unwrapping gifts, and stuffing your face, so why not jazz it up a bit?
• For a real fun photo session next time the fam gets together on the Fourth of July, snap away and take some spinning photos for a cool effect!
• And once the BBQs and fireworks are over, save space on your memory card for some sweet shots once the sun goes down.

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