If you’re like most people, your smartphone is always within arm’s reach. That’s why it’s such a powerful tool for taking pictures – you don’t have to worry about missing a moment because you’re not carrying around a separate camera. However, if you’re always taking blurry and underexposed pics with your mobile device, try using some of the tips below to turn your phone into a valuable photography asset.
1. Up the Resolution
One of the best ways to improve the quality of your mobile photos is to up the resolution. Most newer phones have high-resolution cameras that can take great pictures. If you’re not sure what resolution your phone’s camera is, check the settings or manual. Once you know, make a point of always taking photos at the highest resolution possible.
2. Take More Pictures
Taking more pictures is always a good idea when you’re trying to get that one perfect photo. It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it when you capture that one amazing moment.
And, with digital cameras, you don’t have to worry about wasting film.
So go ahead and take lots of pictures! Try different angles and compositions. Experiment with different lighting conditions. And most importantly, have fun! The more fun you’re having, the better your photos will be.
3. Perfect the Lighting
If you want to take your mobile photography up a notch, start by playing around with the lighting. One of the benefits of using a phone is that you can experiment with different angles and shadows to create some really interesting effects. If you’re taking a picture outside, try standing in the shade instead of in direct sunlight. This will help to prevent any harsh shadows from appearing in your photo. And if you’re taking a picture indoors, try using a lamp or other source of soft light to brighten up the shot.
Another way to Perfect the Lighting is by using the HDR (High Dynamic Range) setting on your phone’s camera. This mode helps to even out the exposure in your photos, resulting in a more natural-looking pic. Just be sure not to overdo it with the HDR, as too much of it can make your photos look fake or “photoshopped.”
4. Stabilize Your Phone
When taking pictures with your phone, it’s important to keep it as still as possible. The slightest movement can cause a blurry or distorted image. One way to help stabilize your phone is to prop it up on something like a table or a chair. Another way is to use both hands to hold the phone as steady as you can.
If you’re really serious about taking winning photos with your mobile device, you might want to invest in a small tripod.
This will help to keep your phone completely still while you’re taking the picture. Just make sure that the tripod is compatible with your particular phone model.
5. Get Close
When it comes to taking photos with your mobile device, one of the best pieces of advice is to get close. Oftentimes, blurry and underexposed pics are a result of being too far away from your subject. Get close enough that you can fill up the frame with your subject, and be sure to tap on their face this will help the camera focus better.
6. Shoot During “Magic Hour”
If you want to take advantage of the beautiful natural light, timing is everything. Shoot during the so-called “magic hour” which is right before sunset and right after sunrise. The low angle of the sun will give your photos a nice, warm glow. Just remember to use a tripod if you’re going for long exposures.
7. Practice the Rule of Thirds
Practice the Rule of Thirds when framing your shots. This will help you create more balanced and visually appealing photographs. To do this, simply imagine that your frame is divided into nine equal sections by two vertical and two horizontal lines. The subject of your photograph should be placed along one of these lines or at one of the intersections.
8. Use Motion to Your Advantage
Panning (following a moving subject with your camera to get a sharp image while the background is blurred), make sure to use a faster shutter speed. The rule of thirds is a great guideline for framing your shots–imagine your photo split into nine equal sections, and try to place your subject along one of the lines or at one of the intersections. And don’t be afraid to get close to your subject! This will help you fill the frame and eliminate any unwanted background elements. Finally, look for leading lines–things like roads, fences, or rivers–that can help draw the viewer’s eye into the photo.
9. Get the Right Colors
Colors can make or break a photo. If you want your photos to pop, then you need to get the colors right. This means adjusting the white balance, saturation, and exposure. Most mobile devices have automatic settings for these things, but you can also manually adjust them.
10. Use Some Cool Filters
When it comes to filters, more is not always better. A single well-chosen filter can enhance a photo in ways that multiple filters cannot. For example, using a black and white filter can help to create a sense of drama or nostalgia in a photo. Meanwhile, using a vignette filter can help to draw the viewer’s attention to a particular area of the photo. Experiment with different filters to see which ones work best for the type of photo you’re trying to take.
By following the tips above, you can start taking better photos with your mobile device in no time. Who knows? You might even end up becoming the next great mobile photographer!
