Simple tips to improve casual photography

Everybody loves to shoot, mostly for storing the moments, to recall and rejoice. Shooting is now a days a finger's play : Just touch the 'shoot' button on smartphone screen. Taking casual photographs is easy but photo content is not that good. Here I am writing some tips, on following one can shoot almost like a pro. Tips are independent of the technology of course.

Shooting / On field:

Shoot light, not the object : Now you understand, every creature / object is beautiful !
No Object / Subject is untouchable : Shoot whatever you like, explore new subjects
Shoot what a common man don't see : Change angle, shoot unusual objects, shoot a lot
Never hesitate, Never argue. "Kyonki mai kaash nahi kahna chaahata" (applicable specially for candid photography)
Respect the social rules / laws : It avoids frustration / fights and helps connecting people

Fill the frame: Primary object should cover the most part of your frame
Follow simple composition rules: 1/3rd rule, orientation,
Choose right angle: If your not sure, shoot the same subject with different angles.
Avoid shake : No body likes blurred photo. Stand and pose yourself to have maximum stability
Use Flash: Fill flash improves quality of photograph (Contrast, details, sharpness)
Shoot Raw: Even some basic P&O cameras support RAW. Use RAW although it eats up space.
Use filters: Use UV-filter for protection, CPL for better skies, and ND filter for long exposures
Vibration reduction helps
Don't hesitate to increase ISO: Grainy images are better than blurred.

Pre and post shooting:

interdisciplinary work : Observe, think, read, plan and then shoot the best shot. e.g It helps to understand the activities, behaviour of the object
Take assignments: Focussed work helps in mastering a particular type of photography
Play with settings: Try all the settings , master the one you like. It will help to create your own "style"
Accessories check: Make list of accessories, check list before outing, store them in one bag
Be "power"full : Always have an extra battery.
Photo management: Make folders, number the folders serially and also name it as per the content

Always post-process you photograph : Even elementary software can be used to correct brightness, contrast, sharpening etc.
Frame it: Framing drastically improves the quality.
No watermarks: Avoid watermark, it really dont' serve any purpose.
Blog-it : Write a blog, about your experience, plan, photographs, ideas.
Display your best shot only: It helps spreading the news, decreases on-line work : My portfolio