Photography is a favorite pastime at the US Open. Millions of fans have experienced the thrill of photo opportunities here -- whether it be photographing professional tennis players, friends, families and the many social activities on the grounds of the USTA National Tennis Center or the many celebrities who attend this prestigious event. Everywhere you go, everywhere you look, there's a subject close at hand in this colorful, exciting, personable environment.

Olympus, the "Official Camera, Binocular, Image Storer and Printer of the US Open," teamed up with Nick Kelsh, professional photographer and author of "How to Photograph Your Life," to offer some tips for the casual photographer to ensure that his or her digital experience at the US Open is picture perfect. While photography can be very subjective, an average picture can become extraordinary with a little bit of practice.

Here are some things to consider:

1) Experiment. Rather than waiting for the perfect shot, take a lot of photos in succession. In the fast paced world of tennis, a gesture can change in a fraction of a second. With digital photography, you can use your LCD screen to edit and erase photos on the fly.

2) Zoom. If you were to look at some old photographs of friends and family, you'd probably notice one area, emotion or subject that really shines. If you had zoomed to that one special element, the resulting photograph could have been something truly special. By using your zoom lens, you lose the clutter.

3) Think about your background. The stands and other backgrounds at the USTA will be filled with fans sporting enough confetti-like colors to disrupt your focus. Try to find backgrounds that aren't as busy so your intended subjects will always stand out.

4) Try different angles. Look for different ways to frame your subjects or try to find out-of-the-ordinary vantage points. You might be surprised how easily "unconventional" will develop.

5) It's all in the details. If you've discovered a subject that you know has the potential for a great photograph, set your Stylus Digital or otherdigital camera to "superfine" to capture the details. Although you'll be able to store fewer pictures on your memory card, you'll be amazed at the quality.

6) Lock in the shot. By focusing your camera before you take the picture, you'll save crucial time shooting fast-moving sports like tennis. Press down the shutter release button halfway to lock your subject in focus. By locking in the focus, your picture will be taken much faster when you finally press the button all the way down.

7) Take another look at the manual. You may discover new functions such as the movie mode and other features of the camera that will enhance your photo experience.

8) Remember courtesy. No flash photography between points. And ask before photographing a player or celebrity up close. Star personalities are like everyone else: they love attention, but may bristle at intrusion.

9) Position your subjects carefully. For portraits outside Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA National Tennis Center, keep your subject close to you and far away from the stadium. This way both subject and stadium make an equal impression in the final photo.

10) Share with your friends. One of the greatest rewards of digital photography is the ease and convenience of sharing your experience almost immediately with your family and friends. E-mail your favorites, create lasting prints or turn them into a postcard.

The US Open provides the casual and avid photographer a wealth of opportunities to capture great images - the strength of a powerful serve, the frustration and heartbreak of defeat, or the elation of winning a match for the very first time.

Whatever the moment requires, Olympus offers a digital camera to capture it, from the all-weather Stylus digital cameras, to the powerful Ultra Zoom series and the 100% digital E-System SLRs. For more information, check out www.olympusamerica.com.