I am an amateur at best, but I like diffuse sunlight or dappled shade, or lighting from a northern window, and use the flash as a last resort. I don't or try not to force a smile, only looks weird. I have a compact digital camera (Fuji XP) that has an interval timer so I don't have to keep running back to the camera, it also works with my phone for remote shutter release. Oh, it's waterproof, so no worries about rain. I take lots of pictures knowing I am going to dump most of them. I store the photos on a secure thumb drive that is password protected. Good luck, have fun and share some of your pictures. Brenda