Nowadays, it seems that everyone is taking a photograph or recording a video using their smartphones. However, most of these photos are amateurish at best. It is a pity, especially considering that some smartphones have cameras that are powerful enough for professional photography.
So, how do you make the most of your smartphone’s camera to take better photographs? Here are some tips from pro photographers.
Steady Yourself
The most common mistake most people make is holding their smartphones using one hand when taking pictures. One hand is not sufficient to steady yourself and get a good angle. It is always best to use both hands, whereby one hand can steady the phone while the other interacts with the screen.
Are your hands shaky? Don’t worry – you can always use a tripod for iPhones and Android phones. A tripod will not only bring stability, it will also free up your hands so that you can operate your phone better. A tripod is especially recommended for those who like taking pictures of landscapes. These tripods are conveniently small, light, and easy to carry around.
Focus Your Phone’s Camera
Smartphone cameras are designed to automatically focus on objects in the foreground. This is convenient, but it does not help when the object you are photographing is in the background. It also doesn’t help when the object you are photographing is in motion. In such cases, the photo will come out blurred.
It is advisable to always re-adjust your camera’s focus if it does not align with the object of interest. To readjust the camera’s focus, simply tap on the object you are interested in on the screen. You will notice a square or circular icon on the object of interest. In case the object is in motion, readjust the camera’s focus and take the shot immediately to prevent blurring.
Work With Natural Lighting
Your smartphone’s flash is intended to light up the subject. Lighting is necessary in photography, but it works best if it is natural lighting. The light from the phone’s flash tends to have the effect of over-exposure. It makes subjects look washed out because of negatively altering the object’s original color. Even the best phones, including the iPhone flagship phones, tend to have this effect.
Pros recommend taking advantage of natural lighting as it doesn’t alter colors. In the dark, where natural lighting is insufficient, try to work with other sources of light and play with the shadows. The rule of thumb is to never use the camera’s flash in the dark – only do so during the day in a well-lit environment.
So, what should you do if your photo comes out too dark? Some of the top photo editing apps will help you brighten your photos using the ‘exposure’ tool. However, do not overdo it to avoid making the photo appear too grainy.
Don’t Zoom In
Sometimes it is just not possible to get close enough to the subject to take the ideal photo. In such cases, most people simply zoom in. However, this never helps – if anything, it just makes the photo appear blurry and grainy.
If possible, it is recommended to get as close to the subject as possible. If this is not possible, go ahead and take the photo anyway. You can then crop the photo later on – unlike zooming, cropping will not ruin the photo’s quality. You can also work with several other features on your photo editing app to bring the subject closer, but don’t overdo it to prevent blurring.
Turn the Gridlines On
Are you familiar with the rule of thirds? It is an important photography rule that states that an image should be broken down into third. Most people don’t know this because they do not use the gridlines feature on their smartphones.
Gridlines are the lines that run vertically and horizontally across your phone’s screen. According to the rule of thirds, an image will come out clearer if you align the subject with intersections between these lines. Gridlines help to balance and stabilize the photo. Pro photographers also allege that these lines make it easier for viewers to interact with the image.
Look for Symmetry
Symmetry can make or break your photo. It determines stability and balancing. A photo that is out of symmetry is easy to spot as the subject will likely look out of place.
In photography, symmetry should allow you to divide the image into two equal parts – this, however, should not be mistaken for reflection. Always study your subject and the surrounding environment closely to get the perfect angle for proper symmetry.
Final Word
You don’t need to carry bulky camera equipment around to take the perfect photo – your smartphone’s camera is powerful enough to get the job done. Use these tips to improve your photography skills and take captivating photos.
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