If you like taking pictures of pets, get down to their level, rather than standing or sitting at your own.
For portraits, try doing something unique, rather than just a 'sit and smile' portrait. Always try to keep the subject(if it's an animal or human) in a comfortable zone to them, that way you get the best results.
If you're indoors try using a bounce flash rather than the straight-on flash that comes with most cameras. If you use a direct flash you will get shadows in the pictures, where as if you use a bounce flash or flash slave units you wont.
If you have any other questions feel free to personally send me a question.
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