Camera technology continues to evolve with every new smartphone release. Follow these tips to learn how to take great photos on your smartphone.
Make the most of natural light
Lighting helps make a good image a great image, and natural light can enhance both indoor and outdoor shots. Here are a few things to remember:
- Look at the shadows the sun creates on your subject.
- Notice the reflected light from the building.
- Practice during the "golden hour," which is the period of time shortly after sunrise or before sunset.
- Observe how the light from the window hits the room at different times.
Smartphones aren't always the best in low-light situations. It’s best to take advantage of the lighting conditions in which your equipment operates optimally.
Don't rely on zoom
Be careful when using the zoom function on your smartphone. Images are often grainy or blurry.
If possible, get closer to the object. If that's not possible, use your camera's built-in editing features or a mobile app to spruce up the shot.
Steady your shot
Camera shake is a factor in all cameras when taking pictures. The key to fixing instability is to practice how you hold your phone:
- Hold it horizontally Always hold it vertically instead of vertically for a wider image.
- Try burst mode when shooting moving objects.
- Know what shutter you will be using (assigned button, software shutter button, timer, or headphone volume). The idea is to allow you to capture clear images without camera shake.
- Use a tripod for stability. This tool frees up your time to focus on better pictures.
Mix up your angles
Change your perspective on things. Experimenting with different angles will give you a better shot and show how you see your subject.
So get down on the ground, get up high, or move to the side to change your perspective. Try to photograph your subject from as many angles as possible.
try some apps
There are thousands of smartphone apps dedicated to cameras.
These apps help edit your work. While you can't correct problems like poor lighting, you can improve other details, make your subject look acne-free, sharpen specific aspects of the image, or add text or other effects to the photo.
Find your favorite photo app, learn how to use it, and you can take your already great images to the next level.
Try using flash
Even if your phone camera flash isn't as powerful as a digital camera flash, you can still get some interesting results.
Flash can help emphasize shadows, make colors brighter, and add other beautiful effects. Try taking a photo with flash and then a photo without flash. Take notes and compare the differences.
Take lots of photos
Don't be afraid to take another shot. Capture whatever suits your fancy. The more photos you take, the more comfortable you'll feel and the better you'll be able to determine the direction of your phone photography.
The only thing holding you back is how much storage you have on the phone and how long the battery lasts.
Use reflections for more interesting shots
Mirrors, glasses, puddles, bodies of water, and smooth, shiny surfaces all produce good reflections.
Push yourself to find reflective surfaces and position your subject at an angle or directly compare to the reflection. Even simple light and shadow can create amazing reflections.
remember to have fun
If you don't listen to any other advice, "have fun" is the rule you must follow when getting into mobile photography.
Join other photographers and the community in your area for a photo walk. It's always fun to learn and enjoy art with other people.
