Understand the difference between [dictionary/ない ＋ ようとする] and [volitional ＋ にする]?

Question

I have come across a couple of concepts that seem relatively similar, but I would like an understanding on their differences, if any. The first is the dictionary/ない form + ようとする. And the other is the conjugated volitional form (or よう form) + にする. I have seen both to mean essentially attempted to do that verb. So for example, the difference between 取ろうとする and 取るようにする. For example, TaeKim seems to use the volitional form, while The Essential Japanese uses the ようにする form. Are there any differences? TaeKim: http://www.guidetojapanese.org/try.html#part3

Answer 1

Usually ～ようにする has a potential verb first. みんなの写真を撮れるように～する would be "to make an effort to take be able everyone's picture." This means intentional action were taken to have a desired result.　The result isn't guaranteed, but the steps taken are such as to manifest the desired effect.

結婚式に参加している人の写真を撮れるように、撮影者を二人を雇われた。In an effort to get everyone who participated in the wedding's photograph, two photographers were hired.

Vようとする, as in みんなの写真を撮ろうとする, marks an attempt: "I will try to take everyone's photograph." These actions can be used to show futile/failed attempts or an attempt in the face of impossible odds, depending on the conjugation and context.

400人以上の客がいたので、いくる頑張ろうとしても、けっきょく、皆の写真を撮れなかった。Because There were over 400 guests, no matter how hard they tried, in the end they couldn't get everyone's photograph.