14. Only Use Photoshop As A Last Resort Or Port Of Last Call. Force Yourself To Achieve Your Best With The Camera

Try to use photo editing software as rarely as possible until you have a clear understanding of the abilities and limitations of your camera. Although there are always things you can do to improve or even save a shot in Photoshop it can lull you into a kind of laziness with the act of photographing itself.

The final result of this will be a stunting in your development as a photographer (although you will probably get pretty good with the software!) and ultimately you will hit the wall creatively. Unable to really "get" that shot you want because you haven't progressed technically or creatively with the camera.

Whenever Possible Shoot Using a Tripod or Alternately BE the Tripod

No this isn't a lesson in method acting. Obviously there are many situations where using a tripod is simply impracticle but...

It is a good idea to always think of stabilizing the camera at least in some way if possible. The greater the zoom you are dealing with, the greater the compensation you are making for low light the greater the possibility that camera shake will enter in.

If you can't use a tripod or monopod then try to make yourself into on. Lean against a wall or even lock your elbows against the side of your body.

12. Spend time studying the species and habitat you’re shooting. Especially Kids, they Move Around a Lot!

Try to visualize the shot or type of shot you want to get.
Observe your prey carefully within it's natural environment being very careful not to disturb it.
Take you time as some species can be quite flighty.
When the time is right... fire!
If you miss, pretend to your quarry that you got the shot you wanted lulling them back into a false sense of security.
Begin the stalking again...

11. Learn to Use Your Camera and Avoid the Need for Digital Enhancement Through Constant Practice.

The key to learning anything is to practice constantly but this does not mean endlessly running around snapping away at everything that moves... or doesn't.

Observation is key to this process. Observe the scene, predict the shot, try the shot until on the camera display, it looks ok.

Pay attention to how you have adjusted your settings throughout. Now go home and take a look at the shots full size.

Take note of the changes in each shot and how those changes moved you closer to or further away from what you were going for.

10. In Nature Photography or Outdoor Photography Your Observation and Understanding of the Environment is Vital.

You can’t rush nature photography and you really have to watch your subject for a long time in order to understand its behaviour. Put the camera down for a while and simply look at the scene or your subject in that scene.

9. How to Avoid That Look in Your Subject's Eyes That Suggests You Are Holding a Gun and Not a Camera.

The first step in any photo shoot of a person is that you must engage with the person and establish a rapport.

You must instill trust and confidence because the only way you are going to get great shots of that person is if they are relaxed with you.

If you are not a "people person" then try wildlife or perhaps a career in passport photograhpy.

8. Photography Literally Means Writing With Light or Light Writing. Look at the Light.

Take the time to step back occasionally and take your attention off the subject matter of your shoots. Instead look at the light in the scene.

Look at where it is coming from and what effect it is having on the subject or the overall scene.

Observe and learn the different effects that different light sources have. Step into the light!