Snap happy

I've been getting sentimental. Tibbons recently turned two - which prompted me to print off a batch of photographs so that I can make a proper album charting his first two years.

As a brief aside, this is surely a much more challenging task for the modern parent, in possession of a smartphone and, therefore, approximately 5,000 photos a year of the child's life, than it ever was for those grandparent types.

Anyhow, Tibbons loves the camera almost as much as the camera loves him. And as I browsed photos for this album (which I hope to get round to completing in time for his 18th birthday), it occurred to me that I should share with you all - as learned from Tibbons - how to take a good photograph in front of the camera.

Tip 1: Whatever mood you are trying to convey in the photograph, ensure that your facial expression is a caricature of this for best effect. So mild happiness becomes a sunshine beam of a smile with all your teeth visible; slight irritation at having your photo taken becomes a full-on sulky lip pout and so on and so forth.

Tip 2: Use whatever props you may have to hand to inject more life and humour into your photographs, from a wooden teapot on your head to a plasticine beard, it's sure to make your pictures a talking point.

Tip 3: To create an arty effect without the aid of Photoshop or specialist software, shake your head quickly and repeatedly from side to side as the photograph is taken.

Tip 4: Don't be afraid to look away from the camera, walk away from the camera, or throw things at the camera. All are sure to make for an interesting picture. Experiment!

There you have it. Time to get snapping.