Better communication is not just about language.

Visitors to this website recognize that photographs play an integral part in human communication today.

And this made me wonder: What are three recommendations that I would make to anyone who wants to improve his or her photographic skills?

The answer? 1. Watch your angles! 2. Watch your lighting! 3. Watch your distance!

1. Watch your angles!

By watching your angles, you can dramatically improve your photos.

My first recommendation is to watch for vertical objects behind the people in your photos.

My second recommendation is to look for the best profiles of the people in your photos.

My third recommendation about angles is to “mix it up” a bit.

2. Watch your lighting!

Photography literally means writing with light, so photography is meaningless without light.

I recommend that you watch out for a mixture of shadows and light on faces.

I recommend that you augment lighting where possible.

And I recommend that you be mindful about your shutter speeds.

3. Watch your distance!

Watching your distance requires appreciation that viewing a photograph is not like viewing a scene.

My most important recommendation is to take close-ups whenever possible.

My second recommendation is to notice the depth of field in each photo that you are about to take.

My third recommendation is to pay attention to focus.