Remember to snap and submit photos of your Neighborhood Networks Week 2009 events for possible inclusion in the 2010 Neighborhood Networks calendar

Hosting an event in observance of Neighborhood Networks Week 2009? Be sure to submit your photos to Neighborhood Networks for inclusion in the online scrapbook or possible inclusion in Neighborhood Networks publications and the 2010 Neighborhood Networks calendar. Printed photographs are also accepted. Simply send your photos to: Neighborhood Networks Week 2009 Photos, 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 800, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.

Below are some tips for taking great photos:

	Pump up the pixels. If you are using a digital camera to capture the moment, set the camera to take photos at the highest numbers of pixels (highest quality) possible. This will produce sharper digital and printed images.
	How low can you go? Create a more personal photo by getting down to eye level with your subjects. Even if the person is not facing the camera, the photo will make viewers feel like they are part of the action.
	Minimize background distractions. A cluttered background can be distracting and may take away from the subjects. Before you snap the photo, do a quick check of the background to make sure there are no objects that appear to be sticking out of your subject, such as flagpoles.
	Don't forget the flash. Even when the sun is shining, use your flash. By doing so, you will eliminate shadows, especially on faces.
	Get up-close and personal. To give your photo more impact, zoom in on your subject. By having the subject fill the viewfinder, you remove any background distractions and capture all of your subject's details.
	It's better to be off-center. Photos are more interesting if your subject is off-center. When taking the photo, imagine a tic-tac-toe grid and place your subject on one of the intersecting lines.
	Seek permission. If you plan to post or submit your photos for inclusion on the Neighborhood Networks Web site, be sure your subjects have signed a photo release form and are aware you will be doing so.