12 Smartphone Photography Tips for Better Photos Instantly
You don't need an expensive camera. These simple techniques for light, composition and focus will dramatically improve the photos you take with your phone.
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The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most of us that's a phone. Modern smartphones are remarkably capable. With a few simple techniques, you can take photos that look far more professional.
1. Clean your lens
Phone lenses pick up fingerprints and pocket lint constantly, causing hazy, soft photos. Wipe the lens with a soft cloth before shooting.
2. Turn on gridlines
Enable the camera grid in your settings and use the rule of thirds. Place your subject along a line or at an intersection instead of dead center for a more dynamic image.
3. Find good light
Light matters more than anything. Soft, indirect light, like an overcast day, open shade or a window, flatters people and objects. The golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, produces warm, glowing light.
4. Avoid harsh midday sun on faces
Direct overhead sun creates squinting and dark eye shadows. Move into shade or turn your subject so the sun is behind them.
5. Tap to focus and adjust exposure
Tap your subject on the screen to set focus. On most phones you can then slide your finger up or down to brighten or darken the shot before you take it.
6. Don't use digital zoom
Pinch-zooming beyond your phone's optical lenses just crops the image and reduces quality. Walk closer, or use your phone's dedicated telephoto lens if it has one.
7. Get a new perspective
Crouch down to a child's or pet's eye level, shoot from above for food and flat lays, or find a reflection. Unusual angles make ordinary scenes interesting.
8. Use portrait mode wisely
Portrait mode blurs the background for a professional look. Keep a few feet between your subject and the background for the best effect, and check the edges around hair and glasses.
9. Hold steady in low light
Brace your elbows against your body or a surface and let night mode do its work. A small, inexpensive tripod helps a lot.
10. Simplify the background
Clutter distracts. Before you shoot, look at the edges of your frame and move to remove trash cans, poles and other distractions.
11. Shoot more than one
Use burst mode for action, pets and kids. Take several frames and pick the best later.
12. Edit lightly
Small adjustments to brightness, contrast, straightening and cropping go a long way. Heavy filters can make photos look dated quickly.
