How to Take Better Photos with Your Smartphone
As someone who’s always been passionate about photography, I’ve found that having a smartphone with a powerful camera in my pocket has made capturing beautiful moments easier than ever. However, as much as smartphones have improved in terms of camera quality, it's still easy to miss out on truly stunning photos if you don't know how to make the most of your device. Over the years, I’ve learned several tips and tricks to enhance my smartphone photography, and today, I want to share these with you to help you take better photos with your phone. Whether you're a beginner or just looking to improve your current skills, these tips will help you get the most out of your mobile camera.
1. Understand Your Smartphone Camera Settings
The first step toward taking better photos with your smartphone is familiarizing yourself with its camera settings. Many of us simply point and shoot without adjusting settings, but your phone offers several options that can dramatically improve your photos. Most smartphones today offer features such as portrait mode, night mode, and manual adjustments like ISO, exposure, and white balance.
For example, I once had a moment where I was trying to capture the golden hour light, but I wasn’t getting the results I expected. That’s when I realized I needed to adjust the exposure manually. By tapping on the subject and then adjusting the exposure slider, I was able to capture a much more balanced and beautifully lit photo. Experimenting with your camera's settings allows you to become more intentional with your shots, ensuring they turn out the way you envision them.
2. Keep the Lens Clean
This might sound simple, but it’s one of the most important tips I can offer. I’ve lost count of how many blurry or foggy photos I’ve taken simply because the camera lens on my phone was dirty. Whether it’s fingerprints, dust, or smudges, these can have a huge impact on the quality of your images. Take a second to wipe your lens with a microfiber cloth before snapping photos, and you’ll be amazed at how much sharper and clearer your shots will be.
3. Use Natural Lighting Whenever Possible
Lighting plays a crucial role in photography, and your smartphone camera is no different. Whenever possible, try to take advantage of natural light. I’ve found that photos taken in bright, natural light look more vibrant and detailed compared to those taken under artificial lighting. Whether you're shooting outdoors or near a large window, natural light helps highlight your subject in a soft, flattering way.
That being said, I’ve also learned how to use artificial light effectively when necessary. If you're indoors and there's not enough natural light, consider using the flashlight feature on your phone or investing in a small ring light. These tools can significantly improve your photos, especially when you’re taking close-up shots or portraits.
4. Compose Your Shots Using the Rule of Thirds
One of the first lessons I learned as a photographer was the rule of thirds. This simple technique involves dividing your frame into nine equal parts by two horizontal and two vertical lines. The idea is to place your subject along these lines or at their intersections for a more visually balanced and engaging composition.
Most smartphones have a grid feature in the camera settings that can help you apply the rule of thirds. Once you activate it, you’ll notice that it becomes much easier to align your subject and create dynamic, well-composed shots. Instead of placing your subject directly in the center of the frame, try positioning it slightly off-center and see how it changes the feel of the photo.
5. Experiment with Focus and Depth of Field
Smartphone cameras are now capable of creating a shallow depth of field, which gives photos that professional, blurred-background look. This effect, known as "bokeh," is perfect for portraits, flowers, or any subject you'd like to stand out against a soft, creamy background.
To achieve this, I like to tap on the screen where I want the focus to be, and the camera will automatically adjust the depth of field for you. If you're trying to photograph a subject against a busy background, creating a shallow depth of field can help isolate the subject and eliminate distractions in the background. You can also experiment with your phone’s portrait mode to achieve this effect with ease.
6. Keep Your Hands Steady
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced when taking photos with my smartphone is keeping the camera steady. Smartphone cameras are smaller and more lightweight than traditional cameras, which means even the slightest movement can lead to blurry shots. I’ve learned that stabilizing my phone can make all the difference.
To minimize camera shake, I try to hold my phone with both hands, keeping my elbows tucked in close to my body for added support. If I’m still having trouble, I use a tripod designed for smartphones, which helps keep my phone steady during longer exposures or when shooting in low-light conditions. Some people even use the timer function on their phone to take a photo without having to touch the screen, reducing any potential shaking.
7. Edit Your Photos After the Shot
Taking a great photo is only half the battle. Editing is where you can truly elevate your photos. There are plenty of apps out there that allow you to adjust the exposure, contrast, saturation, and sharpness of your photos. Some of my favorite editing apps are Snapseed and Lightroom Mobile, which offer a wide range of editing tools that can transform an average photo into something spectacular.
I always make small adjustments to enhance my photos – sometimes it's just brightening up the image or adding a little more contrast to make the colors pop. However, I make sure not to overdo it, as I prefer to keep the photos looking as natural as possible. The goal is to enhance the beauty of the image without making it look overly edited.
8. Get Creative with Angles and Perspectives
One of the easiest ways to make your photos stand out is by changing up your perspective. Instead of just snapping a picture from eye level, I like to experiment with different angles – shooting from above, below, or even at eye level but from an unusual vantage point. A slight change in perspective can completely transform the feel of a photo and make it more dynamic and interesting.
For example, if I’m photographing food, I might shoot from directly above to capture the full spread. If I’m taking a portrait, I might try shooting from a lower angle to give the subject a more dramatic look. Experimenting with different angles will give you fresh and creative results every time.
9. Take Advantage of Burst Mode for Action Shots
Capturing fast-moving subjects can be tricky, but most smartphones have a burst mode feature that allows you to take several shots in quick succession. This is especially useful for action shots, like photographing pets, kids, or anything in motion. I’ve used burst mode to capture some amazing shots, and it increases the likelihood that you’ll get a perfect moment frozen in time.
After you’ve taken the burst shots, you can select the best one from the series. This gives you more control and helps you avoid missing the perfect shot. It’s a simple yet powerful feature that can help you capture moments you might have otherwise missed.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice!
Lastly, the best way to improve your smartphone photography skills is to practice regularly. The more you experiment with different settings, angles, and techniques, the better you’ll get. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – every photo you take is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Over time, I’ve found that the more I play around with my smartphone’s camera, the more creative and confident I become. Whether you’re capturing a sunset, a portrait, or a candid moment, remember that your smartphone is a powerful tool that can help you create stunning images.
