In the good old days, taking a good picture was labor-intensive. People didn’t take photos wherever or whenever; it had to be a planned occasion, like a family reunion, graduation, or birthday. This is perhaps a historical event for most Gen-Zs, as smartphones have changed everything.
Thanks to the advent of technology and smartphones, you can take pictures anytime. Not just pictures but good photos and videos anytime, anywhere; edit them, add features, and share them instantly.
But do you know how to produce eye-catching photos? Taking a great photo is not just pointing and clicking, and this article shares tips and tricks to embrace to ensure your pics have the oomph.
8 tips to take awesome photos with your smartphone
1. Get a phone with a good camera
Smartphones have significantly improved their camera quality in the past decade. If you own one of those older or pioneer smartphones, you might need an upgrade to take good photos.
If camera quality is your priority when purchasing a new handset, consider some of the top brands best known for their excellent quality. Also, consider the camera megapixels, aperture, shutter speed, and optical image stabilization.
2. Lighting
Good lighting is crucial while taking smartphone photos. While most smartphones have bright lenses and include features like night mode, natural lighting improves the mood and tone of your pictures.
Always utilize natural light to incorporate shadows and silhouettes into your pictures. If you are taking photos at night or in dark places, try to improvise and bring in any light from any source.
3. Focus on the subject matter
In portrait photography, most of the good photos contain one subject. According to professional photographers, the subject matter should fill up the entire frame and leave only about two-thirds of the photo as negative space. That makes the subject stand out more. So, take more time to set up the shot if you are taking pictures of a single object or subject.
4. Sharpen your focus
Smartphone cameras will automatically focus on the foreground unless you are using the front camera. Your camera will, therefore, capture a more comprehensive view, especially if the subject is not up close. To focus on one subject, open your camera and tap the screen on the object you want to have a sharp focus on.
5. Use HDR mode
HDR refers to High Dynamic Range mode, now available in virtually all smartphones. This feature helps balance a picture’s lightest and darkest parts in a high-contrast photo to create a picture that is more like seeing your subject or object with your naked eye.
This setting is handy when there is a huge contrast between the lightest and darkest parts of a portrait or landscape. One disadvantage of this mode is that it takes a bit longer to process and will not be suitable for fast-moving objects.
Your iPhone automatically takes photos in HDR whenever it senses the need. However, you might need to turn it on and off manually for other devices.
6. Clean your lenses
For most people, wherever they go, their phones go. Most of the time, it is either in their hands, pockets, or bags, picking up dirt, dust, and lint. Use a soft cotton cloth or handkerchief to clean the lenses for great shots. You may be a wipe away from getting those sleek shots.
7. The rule of thirds
This is considered an old trick, but a good one. The rule of thirds splits an image into nine equal blocks that form a three-by-three grid. So, focus on having your subjects and objects within the gridlines for the best shot.
Unlike in the old days when you had to imagine the gridlines in your head, your smartphone has made it simple. When you open the camera, you must turn this feature on in settings or at the edge of your screen.
8. Edit your photos
Taking good photos with your smartphone is the initial stage of making them evocative. Editing them using features already available on your smartphone or external tools you can download takes them a notch higher. External editing features such as Adobe Photoshop Express and Snapseed are good additions.
With filters, you can remove blemishes, add contrast, and make everything look scenic and colorful. Don’t forget to edit your videos too.
Parting shot
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. What story do you want yours to tell? Practice and get to know your smartphone camera; with time, you’ll capture moments, memories, and emotions you will cherish forever.
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