So, how do you improve your smartphone photography? They, whoever “they” is, say the best camera is the one that you have with you, and many times, it’s not your DSLR; it’s your smartphone camera! I may regret saying this, but I see a future in which the majority of images captured are with a smartphone and not a camera.
Smartphones are always with you, taking photos with your smartphone doesn’t require a lot of thought or effort, and sharing your images to social media from your smartphone takes just seconds. What’s more, the quality of pictures coming from your smartphone has improved over the years. So much so that the images can rival that of a DSLR. Did you know that on many smartphones, you can change the aperture? And editing apps have allowed us to create amazing images without the help of your computer.
Taking amazing smartphone photos isn’t that hard; just like taking images with a DSLR, it’s down to slowing down, and realizing that a great photo is more about the basics, and the photographer, then about the equipment that you are using.
So, how do I improve my smartphone photography as a beginner, you may ask? It’s all about the basics. Use these smartphone photography tips for beginners and you’ll be on your way to beautiful photographs.
Use The Rules of Composition When Taking Your Photos
Simple, straightforward images are more appealing than busy, chaotic images, so take a minute and clean up the clutter in your photos. Whatever you see on the screen is what you will see in the photo.
Use the Rule of Thirds to Make Your Subject More Appealing
Images are broken down into three parts both vertically, and horizontally-Now is an excellent time to turn on the grid feature on your phone-Placing your subject on the intersecting points of these lines is more pleasing to the viewer’s eye.
Using other rules of composition, leading lines, framing, and filling the frame will help your photos have a more polished professional look. Practicing seeing these in your everyday life will help when you are looking for photo opportunities. Do you see a beautiful archway that would be perfect for framing your subject? A beautiful pathway of trees that could be used for leading lines? Leading lines and framing opportunities are everywhere, you just have to begin to see them.
Attention to Detail is Key
Take a minute to make sure that the image is straight; move your body to get unwanted items out of the picture. Shoot from different angles. Paying a bit of attention ahead of time will prevent having to edit the image later.
Know How to Use the Light
Learning to work with light is a huge part of photography! Light takes an average image to extraordinary. Shooting during the golden hour is the best time to take your photographs, but if you are unable to do so, knowing how to work with light will make a huge difference in your images. Utilize open shade, practice capturing catchlights, and use the light to create bokeh in your images.
Remember, you and your smartphone can take amazing pictures…spend some time learning, practice these techniques, and you are on your way to improving your smartphone photos in minutes.
Cheers, Dena
And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, or join my private Facebook group Learn Photography with Dena
