To start with a photograph has a clear subject, a theme, no distractions, and proper exposure. A photographic theme is a universal message to communicate with others. Meaning, who looks at the picture, will know what the photograph is all about. Focus attention on the main subject in the frame. Pay close attention to the subject. Draw the viewer into the picture.
Look to see if you have the entire body of the subject in your frame, unless you are doing a head shot. Look again and see if anything looks disproportioned (i.e. over sized nose or feet). Check again to make sure there are no lens flares, color spots in your viewfinder, or heavy shadows.
Now that you have the subject the way you want to see it through your viewfinder, its time to check your camera settings. Is your F-stop correct? Is your exposure time adequate? This depends on the type of film you are using, how bright it is, how stable the camera and subject is. Using a light meter is a good way to get your F-stop and exposure setting. All you have to do is point the meter at your subject, or at the camera from your subject (depending on what kind of light meter you have), and it gives you the settings.

Follow your moving subject with your camera while holding the shutter release to prevent a blurred out person or animal. This is called Panning. It will blur out the background, and possibly the foreground; depending on your focused zone, and leave your subject in focus; or at least most of it.

Prevent lens flare by attaching a lens hood (also called a bayonet) to the end of your SLR lens. If you do not have the capability of using a lens hood, move your position or hover something above your camera lens (be sure to keep it out of the viewfinders range).

Using a light meter is a good way to measure for a properly exposed photograph in any lighting condition. But if you do not have a light meter on hand, use the cameras auto setting. Your camera will recalulate for the lighting. You can also change the EV setting. This is usually the +/- setting on the camera. To brighten up the scene move the EV to +1 or +2. If its to bright out move the EV down -.05 or -1.

For better quality prints do not buy film months ahead of the date you plan to use the film. Keep only enough film on hand that you know you will use soon. If there is an expiration date on the film box, take note of the date. If the film is past the expiration date, throw the film away. The older the film becomes the more receptacle the film becomes to undesired changes you will receive on your processed prints. It is also important to have the film developed soon after being used, to ensure you receive the best quality of your pictures. You can store your unused film cartridges and developed negatives in a refrigerator. Be sure to properly store them in a frost proof modern refrigerator with low humidity settings. Your film and negatives should not come in contact with food or beverages.

The most important rule to follow is, keep film away from heat, moisture and harmful gases.

In a hot temperate area keep film in a moisture free container in the refrigerator, freezer or a cool storage area. The container should be vapor-tight with desiccant (keeps moisture out). Before using the film, remove the container from the storage area at least 30 minutes before use, for best results allow warming for 2 hours. Leave the container sealed during this time to keep condensation from developing on the film. Use and develop your film as quickly as possible, as high temperatures often cause undesirable changes to the film.

If you plan to store your film in a refrigerator, use a frost proof modern refrigerator with low humidity settings. The system should include proper storage for envelopes and containers for your film and/or negatives. Be sure that the refrigerator you are storing your film in does not come in contact with food or beverages. It is best to have the refrigerator you are using for the film and/or negatives be placed in a different area then the kitchen, and all persons living in your home are aware that this refrigerator is off limits to food and beverages.

Preserve your negatives, yes that's right, your negatives do not last forever. This is a good storing tip, if you will ever need to replace a lost or damaged photo. Store your negatives at 35°F or lower to increases the life expectancy of the negatives by 30 times. Keep the humidity between 15% and 40%. Setting the humidity below 15% can cause brittleness and over 40% can create fungus. The ideal humidity for film is 40%. It is recommended that negatives are stored in envelopes. The recommended envelopes are Kodak Storage Envelopes for Processed Film. The envelopes come in sizes 4x5 and 8x10. If you plan on taking the negative out of storage, let the negative warm up to room temperature before removing it from the protective container.

If you will be traveling through security with your film, it is best to have the film in your carry on bag. Your film should not have any disruptions from the x-rays, if your luggage is just going through a couple of times. But if you are a frequent traveler, you should have your bag hand checked, to keep the film from the harmful rays.

To prevent fading of your prized art prints, try not to display them in direct sunlight. If you are not able to hang your print in a less than sunny spot, consider having your print framed in a Ultra - Violet Resistant Glass.
It is also best to have the photograph or digital art print printed on acid free paper. If you are unsure of what type of paper your photograph is printed on, you can consider sending the print into a professional hand printing lab technician to have a piece of the paper tested. To find a local lab you will need to search your local area directory. Or you can send your inquiry to Kodak; you will find the address on the box of film, or Kodak product you have purchased.

Your print may become yellow over time from household pollutants, such as tobacco and air fresheners. If you are concerned about your print becoming yellow within time, you may want to inquire about vacuum sealed framing. This is known as conservation mounting, and only specialist do this. Most of the conservation mounting is done for museums, hotels and business offices. This will be expensive, but the print will be enjoyed by your family for generations to come.

When hanging your print, be sure the nail is well into the wall and the nail will not move, allowing your picture to fall, and possible break your beautifully custom frame. It is best to use an anchor and a screw. Also be wary of hanging the picture near any heaters or vents. The heat may ruin the picture.
When choosing a frame, consider a metal frame instead of a tradional wooden frame. Wood gives off chemicals that may harm your print.

If you need to store your framed print for any period of time make sure the framed print is protected. Do not store in an attic, garage or basement. When preparing your framed print for storage be sure the materials do not include sulfur, acidic wood pulp or polyvinyl chloride. These ingredients will trigger deterioration. Look for "Archival" products. You may have to do a lot of searching for this item because not all custom frame shops carry this product. When storing your framed print be cautious of fluctuating temperatures, bright sunlight, heat, moisture, extreme temperatures, insects and rodents; they could ruin your artwork even if you took the care to store the artwork properly.

Framing is having your subject with objects around it. Look for a way to naturally include something at the top and bottom of your subject, or to the side and bottom of your subject. For instance, if you are out walking through the woods and a tree branches out to the left and right leaving a V-shape, and there is a deer in the V-shape. Press the shutter and take the picture. That is framing.

Include only the necessary objects in the picture with the subject, making sure the viewer is not drawn away from the subject. The easiest way to maximize this would be to zoom in as close as you can and fill the entire frame with the subject without loosing any main components of the subject.

The placement of the subject is important to consider. Try not to always have your subject in the center. To find the proper placement of the subject, imagine the frame is in three vertical parts; place your subject on one of the divisions. The subject should be on the left, or on the right, you do not want to cut the subject out of the frame.