Capturing life moments through photography has never been easier than with smartphones. They have revolutionised how we capture and share our experiences, allowing anyone to be an aspiring photographer. However, with the abundance of options and settings available, mobile photography can be overwhelming for beginners.
To help you get started, this article provides a walkthrough of ten essential tips that will help you get the best out of your mobile phone photography.
1. Clean your lens
Cleaning your camera lens is essential before you take photos with your smartphone. Dust and smudges can accumulate over time, which can cause your pictures to appear hazy or blurry. Improving the clarity of your shots is as simple as wiping the lens with a soft, lint-free cloth. So, take a moment to clean your lens before you start shooting, and you'll surely capture those perfect moments flawlessly.
2. Learn your camera app
Smartphones usually come with a pre-installed camera application that is both user-friendly and feature-packed. Exploring this app, learning how to switch between photo and video modes and getting familiar with the various settings is recommended. You can experiment with settings like Portrait Mode to capture stunning portraits, Night Mode for low-light photography, and Panorama Mode for capturing sweeping landscapes.
Many camera apps have a Pro/Manual Mode that gives you more control over your photos. Additionally, Slow-Motion and Time-Lapse modes enable you to create creative video effects. The Super Res Zoom and Ultra-Wide options allow you to zoom in closer and capture wider angles. By exploring these features, you can unlock the full potential of your smartphone camera and be surprised at what it can capture!
3. Get a balanced composition using gridlines
Many mobile camera apps offer an option to display gridlines on the screen while using the camera. These gridlines divide the screen into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, following the rule of thirds - an essential concept in photography composition.
One easy way to enhance the visual impact of your photos is to position your subject at the intersections of intersecting lines. This technique can help draw the viewer's eye to the focal point of your image and create a more engaging composition. The rule of thirds is a technique that can enhance the composition of your pictures by adding balance and symmetry and drawing the viewer's attention to key elements in your shot. Whether you're photographing landscapes, portraits, or everyday scenes, following this rule can make a significant difference in making your photos more engaging and aesthetically pleasing. Use the gridline display feature on your phone to help you achieve this.
4 Focus and exposure control
To precisely control your smartphone camera's focus and exposure settings, you can easily set your screen's focus and exposure point by tapping on it. This user-friendly feature in almost every camera app is essential to modern smartphone photography. By experimenting with different focus and exposure points, you can create stunning photos with a specific subject in focus and a blurred background or ensure well-balanced exposure in challenging lighting conditions. With this dynamic capability, the possibilities for capturing unique and visually compelling photographs are endless.
5. Mind the lighting
When taking photos with your smartphone, it is recommended that you prioritise capturing images in natural light, also known as available light, whenever possible. Capturing stunning photographs requires the proper lighting. Natural light offers a gentle and uniform illumination that can remarkably elevate the quality of your pictures. Take advantage of the opportunity to create breathtaking images - explore the magic of natural light today! However, it's best to avoid direct sunlight, which can cast harsh and unflattering shadows, causing overexposed or underexposed areas in your photos. Instead, take advantage of overcast days or the "Golden Hour," During the early morning or late afternoon, the sun's angle casts a warm, soft glow that can add an ethereal quality to your photos, making it the perfect time to capture beautiful and visually appealing smartphone shots.
6. Keep a steady hand
Blurred photos can result from shaky hands, and you may only realise it after taking the picture, which can lead to disappointing results. Holding your phone with both hands and bracing your elbows against your body or a stable surface to stabilise your shots is crucial to avoid this. Alternatively, consider investing in a smartphone tripod or a small handheld stabiliser. These can make a massive difference in the overall quality of your photos.
7 Experiment with composition
Experiment with different angles and perspectives, paying attention to the background and eliminating distractions that detract from your subject.
8 Editing apps
Use mobile phone photo editing apps like Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, or VSCO to enhance your photos. These apps provide tools for adjusting exposure colour balance and adding creative filters.
See the links below to find the correct version for your phone:
9. Practice and patience
Capturing a moment through photography is a creative process that requires patience, dedication, and skill. Feeling disappointed by the initial results is normal, but don't be discouraged. Keep practising, experimenting, and analysing your photos to allow you to identify areas for improvement and learn from your mistakes. By regularly refining your techniques and enhancing your artistic vision, you can master the art of photography and create stunning visual stories that evoke emotions and inspire others.
10. Tell a story
A photograph can be a powerful tool in telling a story or evoking emotions. As you aim to capture a moment, consider the essence of the feeling you want to convey through your image. Do you want to express the warmth of joy, the tranquillity of serenity, or the thrill of excitement? By focusing on the specific emotion you wish to portray, you can create a photograph that profoundly resonates with your intended audience.
Some final thoughts
Mobile phone photography is convenient and accessible. Everyone has a smartphone in their pocket to take photos anytime and anywhere. This makes it a great way to capture memories and document your life.
Mobile phone photography is versatile. Smartphones can take various photos, from landscapes and portraits to close-ups and action shots.
Mobile phone photography is easy to learn. Many resources are available online and in libraries to teach mobile phone photography basics. If you want to improve your skills further, you can enrol in classes or workshops offering more advanced techniques.
Mobile phone photography can be creative. You can use your smartphone to take stunning and creative photos with some practice.