Favorite #1: Pivoting Flash
Those little flashes that pop up on the top of your camera (you know, the built-in versions) are nothing but a bad photo waiting to happen. For one, they create a lot of shadows and red-eyes. You may disagree and argue that your camera has a built-in "red-eye" reduction, but I'm here to tell you that they absolutely make your pictures more horrible than perhaps not using any flash at all.

Instead of the pop-up flash, you should invest in a better, separate flash unit. Make sure it has a pivoting head. That is the most important feature. Some flash systems have extras perks, like diffusion covers and fancy buttons to creatively control output. That's fine and dandy, but make sure the flash can be tilted toward the ceiling in either horizontal or vertical applications. The flash spreads light from the reflection on a white ceiling to create pleasant, soft lighting in your image.

Straight-on flash will indeed brighten the photo and highlight your subjects, but in a dark setting it will create shadows and dramatic lighting that looks entirely unprofessional. The easiest ticket to a professional image is good lighting. Try both to see the difference. The ceiling should be white or off-white. Minimal editing may be done in Photoshop after the images are uploaded to your computer, but the original will be much more pleasing. You can see everything in the background when you bounce light.

Favorite #2: Star Filter
Wow! There's so many things you can do with this filter. I just love it. Star filters come in 4-point, 6-point or 8-point. Honestly, four is enough. Any more than four and your images will appear fake or too busy.

The star filter is especially nice with night scenes, candles, chandeliers, jewelry or in any room that has lighting fixtures. It creates just a glimmer of sparkle without being obtrusive.

Star filters create radiance. As an added bonus, they tend to soften skin tones and portray a romantic ambiance. They're perfect for weddings, family photos or night scenes. You'll love this filter.

Favorite #3: Cable Release
Even if you don't own a tripod, a cable release is a great tool to have. Once you understand photography a bit and can utilize the features on your camera, you will notice that a longer exposure sets a different tone in your images. The cable release allows you to be hands-free.

It plugs into the side of your camera; some newer versions are wireless. You then push a button when you are ready to snap the shot. Think about this...have you ever taken a seemingly great picture, only to look at it and realize that because you moved slightly, the image is out-of focus or blurry?

The added benefit of this gadget is that your night scenes will improve, because you will be able to allow more light into the camera for a longer period of time without moving (or breathing) by accident.

Take a look at Figure A. On top is a night scene of a couple kissing, with the flash straight-on. The image on the bottom is taken at the same time with a cable release, making it seem as though taken during the day instead of at night. A cable release can dramatically affect the outcome of your images.