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I bet you have a cell phone—just about everyone does these days! But here’s something you might not know: the camera inside your phone is packed with power and technology that’s almost on par with those big, fancy cameras you see professional photographers carrying around. It’s true! As a professional photographer who spends a lot of time on the road, I’ve found myself relying more and more on mobile phone photography to capture stunning shots, especially while traveling. It’s amazing what these little devices can do!
You may wonder why when I’ve done all the work and have thousands of dollars of “fancy” camera equipment. The answers are pretty simple. First, I always have my cell phone with me. As camera wisdom goes goes, “The best camera is the one you have with you.” Second, my big camera is heavy and bulky. My cell phone fits right in the palm of my hand… or my pocket. Try to do that with a big DSLR!
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Once I decided to put that cell phone to better use, I’ve worked hard to learn how to best leverage the camera I have with me, and I’m excited to share a few tips about improving your mobile phone photography with you here. Let’s get started!
Mobile Phone Photography Tips
Tip #1 – Clean Your Lens
This one may seem ridiculously simple, but here it is: Clean your lens! I know – it seems obvious to have a clean lens. Still, as much as we toss our phones around and handle them and slide them in and out of pockets and purses, it stands to reason that the lenses get just as dirty as the screens.
I like keeping a little lens cloth in my pocket for this purpose. But in a pinch, I’ve been known to use the hem of my shirt. Most modern cell phone manufacturers use a protective layer of glass over the lens for protection. This protective layer is usually made of a specialized material, such as Gorilla Glass or Sapphire Glass.
This unique glass is highly resistant to scratches and general wear and tear. This is why the glass on your cell phone camera lens can handle t-shirt cleanings, while the lens on your DSLR is much more sensitive and is best cleaned with only a lens cleaning cloth.
Tip #2 – Use Natural Light
Photography is all about the light – no matter your camera. So always do your best to shoot in natural light rather than with flash. Even if you’re in a dimly lit room, you are better off turning on every light in the room to light the environment rather than using the flash. Flash is a last resort in most situations. In fact, I choose to turn the flash off on my camera and keep it off. If and when I use it, I can quickly turn it on, but this prevents me from having accidental flashes.
If you’re shooting in the daylight, keep the light on your subject from the side or front. If the light source is behind your subject, you will get very dark and shadowy results where you want the most detail.
The rules change just a touch in the bright sunlight. In this case, you don’t want the sunbeams shining directly on your subject. That look will give you harsh shadows and squinty eyes. Instead, look for a piece of shade and have your subject stand in it with the direct sunlight out of the camera’s lens. Here’s a diagram to help you visualize.
It’s usually best to keep your phone camera in the shade as well, but as close to the edge as possible. The idea is you want the brightest light without the direct light. Go ahead and try it both ways to see what you find!
Like fun roadside stops? Check out the Quirky Roadside Facebook Group!
Tip #3 – Composition
The rule of thirds is the simplest way to get a rock-solid composition. But what is it, and how do I use it? It is a way of lining up the important items in your photo to guide the viewer’s eye right to them. Here’s how it works:
Picture a Tic-Tac-Toe Board
Imagine your photo is split into nine equal parts: two lines going up and down (vertical) and two lines going side to side (horizontal). It looks like a tic-tac-toe board!
Use the Grid Lines
Many phone cameras let you turn on these lines, called grid lines, to help you see where everything is. You can find this in your phone’s camera settings.
Place the Important Stuff on the Lines
Instead of putting your subject (like a person, a flower, or a building) right in the middle of the picture, try placing it where the lines cross. These spots are called the “hot spots,” and they make your photo look more balanced and interesting.
For example:
If you’re taking a sunset picture, put the horizon on one of the horizontal lines.
If you take a picture of your dog, put their face on one of the hot spots.
This simple trick can make your pictures pop, and I promise, once you see it at work, you’ll notice this simple rule wherever you look: in advertising, movies, and TV shows.
Tip #4 – Adjust Focus and Exposure
Once your subject is composed just how you want it, you’ll want to ensure it is in focus. Tap the screen where you want the camera to focus. Most cell phone screens will show a box around the subject that is in focus once you tap it. And this is good for any subject, whether a real, live person or a piece of art, a sailboat on the horizon. You name it.
Finally – a note about exposure. Make sure your photo is perfectly exposed by adjusting the brightness. Check your screen to see if the shot looks too bright (over-exposed) or too dark (underexposed). You’ll see a little sunshine graphic right next to the focus box on your phone’s screen. Now, slide your finger up and down on that sunshine, and you’ll see the screen get darker or lighter. Voila! You’ve just adjusted your exposure!
Tip #5 – Avoid Zooming In
This one seems counter-intuitive to today’s technology, but trust me. Technology isn’t everything! Instead of zooming on your camera app, move closer to your subject whenever possible. Digital zoom reduces quality while getting physically closer and keeps details sharp.
If you MUST zoom, try to use the pre-determined zoom options on your phone. For example, my phone has the option of 1x, 2x, and 5x. These options utilize the three lenses on the back of my phone, one for each zoom distance. When you zoom somewhere between one of those settings, the camera uses the lower setting and digitally zooms in, which reduces quality. So, to keep it simple, use one of your camera’s built-in options whenever possible.
Conclusion – Wrapping it All Up
The computer in your phone is pretty smart, but sometimes it will miss the mark. After all, no matter how innovative our technology is, it will never replace the human brain and its ability to reason and make wise decisions. By following these simple tips, you’re off to a great start in improving your cell phone photos! Have questions? Please ask! I love to help and have a Facebook group to chat and discuss travel locations and photography tips! Check it out at HIP ADVENTURES: LIFE & TRAVEL OVER 50.
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