Over the course of your high school career, you will want to document certain moments. Whether it’s a shot of your friends at Homecoming or a moment on the field, there are some images that need to be remembered. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take a good photo. All you need is a camera, a subject, and a good eye.

One of the most important aspects of getting that perfect shot is lighting. Depending on your camera, you can adjust some settings to achieve a good photo. Usually iPhone users won’t have to worry about this, but if you take photos with a DSLR, you might need test out a few different settings beforehand. No flash is my personal go-to setting. Oftentimes, people will go to auto, and the flash ends up blowing up the subjects’ faces, casting an unflattering light. Other than lighting, perspective is also a key element in any shot. It’s important to have a steady hand when taking photos, as well as to know how to properly fill a frame and focus on the subject(s). With perspective, it’s all about angle and having a good, creative eye. A helpful tip to ensure getting that perfect shot is to take multiple shots of one subject and then choose your favorite frame. It’s also a good idea to shoot from various angles—some subjects look better from a different view.

I advise anyone to document as much of your high school career as possible. What may just seem like an average moment may turn into one of your most prideful throwback Thursdays later on. Trust me, you will experience so much that is worth remembering. Take more pictures. Storage is limited, memories are fleeting, and life is short.

Other tips:

-Test out multiple settings. Don’t assume that the one you’re on will give you the best results.

-Make sure there are no distractions that detract from the overall composition of the photo.

-Don’t be afraid of taking a bad shot—no strip of film is perfect.

-Some of the best photos come from trial and error.

-Don’t be afraid to get on all fours or contort your arms for that perfect shot. Movement behind the camera is just as vital to the shot as what is in front of it.

-Sometimes the most unlikely subjects make for the best photos.