It’s so easy to get distracted these days.  Cell phones, smart phones, iPads… at any point during the day (or night) we are in arms reach of endless information.  Yet, how many of us actually use the spare time we have to do something meaningful or important on these electronics?  I, like so many others, sit and peruse… blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest…  viewing a lot, but not actually taking in any significant or substantial information.  Half the time I forget what it was I needed when I sat down at my computer, usually the recipe for dinner.

Rule #3… Simplify.  Distracting backgrounds and other busy elements can take attention away from your primary subject of your photograph.

Consider what is behind or on either side of your subject before you hit the shutter.  Wait for the runner in neon yellow to get out of your frame.  Move your mom to the left a little to avoid a photograph that looks like a tree is growing out of her head.  Rotate your family 180 degrees and photograph in front of a brick wall rather than the tangle of waterslides at that awesome hotel.

Taking the time to be thoughtful about your surroundings will help keep the focus on your subject.