How to Take Stunning Photos with Your Smartphone Search

I am often asked while out shooting can I use my cell phone camera to take good photographs? I share absolutely and that is how I have been shooting for years. I may have a digital camera now but I still shoot with both.

Here are some tips on taking stunning photos with your smartphone, it's all about making the most of its built-in features and following some key photography principles. Here are essential tips to help you capture beautiful images:

1. Know Your Smartphone Camera Settings

• Use the Highest Resolution: Always shoot in the highest resolution your phone supports for better quality photos.

• Explore Camera Modes: Modern smartphones come with features like Portrait, Night Mode, HDR, and Pro Mode. Learn how to use them to suit different lighting and subject conditions.

2. Composition is Key

• Use the Rule of Thirds: Enable the grid on your smartphone camera to divide the frame into thirds both vertically and horizontally. Position your subject along these lines or at their intersections for a more balanced composition.

• Frame Your Subject: Pay attention to what’s around your subject. Eliminate distractions by positioning yourself or adjusting the frame to highlight your subject.

• Leading Lines: Use natural lines in the environment (roads, rivers, fences) to lead the viewer's eye toward the subject.

3. Good Lighting is Crucial

• Use Natural Light: Whenever possible, shoot in natural light. The golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) provide soft, warm light that’s perfect for photography.

• Avoid Harsh Direct Sunlight: Harsh lighting can cause overexposure and harsh shadows. If shooting in bright sunlight, try to find shade or shoot in the early morning/evening.

• Use Your Phone’s Flash Wisely: Avoid using the built-in flash unless necessary. Instead, use it as a fill light to soften shadows in low-light situations.

4. Focus and Exposure

• Tap to Focus: Always tap on your subject to ensure the camera focuses properly. Smartphones often have autofocus, but tapping ensures that the most important part of your photo is sharp.

• Adjust Exposure: When you tap to focus, your phone may also allow you to adjust the exposure (the brightness level). Slide the exposure slider to brighten or darken the image as needed.

5. Use Manual/Pro Mode

• Many smartphones allow you to adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance manually. Experiment with these settings for more creative control, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

6. Avoid Digital Zoom

• Use Optical Zoom: Instead of zooming in digitally (which can reduce image quality), physically move closer to your subject if needed, or use a smartphone with optical zoom for better results.

7. Stabilize Your Phone

• Use a Tripod or Steady Your Hand: To prevent blurriness, especially in low-light conditions, try using a tripod or rest your phone on a stable surface. If you don’t have a tripod, steady your body and hold your phone with both hands.

• Use a Timer or Remote Shutter: To avoid shaking when pressing the shutter button, use your phone’s timer or a remote shutter release to take photos.

8. Edit Your Photos

• Post-Processing: Don’t hesitate to use editing apps to enhance your photos. Apps like Snapseed, Lightroom, or VSCO allow you to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness, or apply filters for a creative touch.

• Crop and Straighten: You can also crop your photo to improve the composition or straighten a tilted horizon.

9. Take Multiple Shots

• Experiment with Angles: Take photos from different angles to find the best one. Change your perspective—shoot from above, below, or at eye level—to add variety.

• Burst Mode: For action shots or to capture fleeting moments, use burst mode. Hold down the shutter button to take a series of photos and select the best one.

10. Explore New Features

• Use Portrait Mode for Depth: This mode simulates a blurred background (bokeh effect), making your subject stand out. It’s ideal for portraits, still life, or close-up shots.

• Play with Filters and Effects: Many smartphones now feature real-time filters or effects. Experiment with them to add a unique touch to your photos.

There is so much you can do with your smart phones these days and adjustments are numerous as well, have fun editing too! By combining these techniques with practice, you'll be able to capture breathtaking images using only your smartphone.