Picking up a camera and shooting doesn't necessarily make you a photographer. Photography is an art form that takes a lifetime to learn.

Yet improving your skills is something you can do very quickly. As a professional, I've been shooting for almost 20 years now. I still discover new styles, new ideas all the time. I'm always inspired by other photographers, and work to improve all the time.

Consider these 5 tips the next time you head out shooting with your camera.

 If your only goal is to photograph a great portrait, head out and find a great location ahead of time. Spend an hour driving around your community. Look at the trees in your local park. Scope out the buildings in your local business park. A portrait only uses a portion of the surrounding area, so its easy to find a great location within just a few miles from your home or office.

If your on vacation, or out for a day of fun, use your favorite parts of the day as your background. Its easy to find statues, signs, or other items that help you remember your special day, and improve the looks of your portrait.

 Camera equipment is a personal choice. Some prefer Nikon; others love their Canon.

Choose above and beyond the small point and shoot, and choose a 35mm SLR that allows interchangeable lenses. If you'll be photographing for very large images, a larger format camera may be more beneficial for you. But for most photographers, an SLR offers all the flexibility you'll need.

Then experiment with the lenses. Over time, you'll pick out your favorites, and use them to create your own style of photgraphy.

 Occasionally a great picture just happens. More often than not, it has some planning behind it.

Just like other hobbies and professions, practice makes perfect. The more you shoot, the more you'll know how to pose a person and look for the right expressions.

Think about how you want your final image to appear.

What feelings would you like it to convey?
What story would you like it to tell?
What mood are you trying to set?

Practice shooting your subject from different angles and different perspectives. You'll quickly discover what works best for you.

 Yes there is an art to posing. You don't want a person to look stiff or uncomfortable. You don't want them to get frustrated with the amount of time you're taking.

What looks good in person and feels good from our body movements doesn't necessarily look the same on a photograph.

Accentuate the body.
Pose men and women differently (there is a difference).
Play up to the camera.
Have fun!

Good pictures often turn into great ones simply by having the subjects enjoy the process.

 Learn from your mistakes. How could you have taken a better picture? How could you have posed differently?

Thanks to the Internet, there are many ways to improve on your photography. Study other photographers work. Post your work on forums and ask for tips. Learn from the pros.

And most importantly, get out there and shoot.

Learn a new tip and go out and apply it. See why it works and how it improves your photography.

You'll see a ton of progress in a very short time!