Many people don't know that pictures can be "tweaked" for better results. With digital taking precedence over film these days, it's easier than ever to get photos worthy of framing or storing in a family scrapbook.

Often photos just need optimization in Adobe Photoshop or a comparable photo restoration program. Color output can be adjusted. Fine lines can be erased. Disruptions to the scenery can be removed.

However, if you're not savvy with computer enhancements, what can you do to make your photographs better in the first place?

The answer is quite simple. Don't make these mistakes in the first place! Here are the top seven mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Your subject is too far away
It may sound so simple, almost like a no-brainer! As a professional photographer, sometimes when I go out shooting, I see families on vacation taking pictures of each other in front of touristy buildings, water, or in front of attractions.

The picture-taker (I won't call them photographers quite yet) instructs the people to stand in front of the desired background and then backs up way too far. I think the reason for the distance is to ensure that the whole building or scene is captured.

Bring the subjects in closer!

Tell your subjects to walk towards you, almost to the point where they're filling the width of the screen on the camera. The scene will still be in the background where it belongs, but the people will be visible and will not look like small ants. Too often photos come back with missed details because the people were just too far away.

Mistake #2: Over-posing
Sometimes the best images are those that are unplanned, capturing natural facial expressions, laughter and spontaneous moments.

If all of your images seem contrived, try getting your camera out at a time when people aren't expecting you to snap the shutter. The results may amaze you. Instead of fake smiles and uncomfortable posture, your family and friends will look naturally beautiful as you see them in real life. Life is not posed and all of your pictures don't have to be, either.

One additional tip is to shoot through a telephoto lens from a distance. Although there are some technical issues here, the benefit is your subjects are often not nearly as aware that they're being photographed and they behave more naturally.

Mistake #3: Ugly distractions
Have you ever gotten your pictures back only to discover unsightly distractions that detract from the main subject like telephone poles sticking out of people's heads or trash cans next to the new car? Or perhaps you've got someone walking by in the background or an ugly branch lying right next to the photo of your precious pooch?