How To Create Incredible Photo Photos
As tech constantly advances to the next level, smartphones have slowly (but surely) upgraded their built-in cameras, allowing users to take amazing, Instagram-worthy images! In my latest article, I will help you use the latest tech to take your photography skills to the next level. Carry on reading for more.
How To Use The Correct Lighting
The classic line “Lights, Camera, Action” applies even when taking snaps on your phone. Good lighting can transform a mediocre picture into a masterpiece that will see your likes skyrocket. Natural lighting should always be your best friend, so take full advantage wherever possible! Shoot near windows or in open spaces, and it’s even better if you choose to capture your images during the golden hours (shortly after sunrise or just before sunset).
This magical time of day causes the sun to create a soft, dreamy appearance in your photos. However, if you are limited to indoors, you can always use a lamp (or even a flashlight) to display unique shadows and interesting highlights.
Keep The Lens Clean
One of the biggest crimes in phone photography is attempting to take artistic shots through a dirty lens (built up from pocket lint and finger smudges). The lens may look fine at a glance, but it is more than likely coated in a layer of grime that will hinder your photography style.
Always remember to give it a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth (although your T-shirt can work if time is an issue!), and you will enjoy a fresh new look to your shots as they become ultra clear! You could consider it a trip to the spa for your phone, a spruce-up before the action starts.
The Rule Of Thirds (And Then Breaking It)
If you have experience with photography lessons (or even checked out guides online), you will have heard of the Rule of Thirds. You need to imagine a grid on your phone screen, then divide it into nine equal squares. Place your chosen subject at one of the four intersection points; it will generally lead to a more balanced image that is pleasing to the eye.
Most modern smartphones have a built-in grid feature. Switch it on, and you can line up your friend, family member, pet or even a skyline, creating a stunning visual image (plus, it instantly looks like you know what you are doing!).
Alternatively, you can totally mix it up—sometimes, the best photos are created by breaking the rules. For example, place your subject directly in the centre for a dramatic vibe. Or why not use off-kilter angles for unique composition effects (which can even make the viewer’s head tilt!)? Remember that rules are simply guidelines, not laws that have been carved in stone, so experiment and enjoy the experience!
Zoom With Your Feet, Instead Of Your Phone
It is a common occurrence to pinch your screen to zoom in on a distant subject, only to be disappointed that it is massively pixelated (like an image from the late 90s!). That is the main problem with digital zoom. It may be convenient, but it is not exactly renowned for preserving sharpness!
Walk closer to your subject whenever possible (instead of relying on your phone’s zoom limitations). In some cases, it isn’t possible to ‘physically’ move, such as if you are in a vehicle (such as a boat). In that case, by all means, use the pinch method! Just remember that some quality will be lost in the process.
Make Use Of Editing Apps
Phones are a long way from the early beginnings of the simple Nokia 3210 (although Snake was a classic!). They are now a powerhouse of potential, a miniature computer that can transform basic photographs into stunning visual epics!
There is a vast array of editing apps to help you achieve your visual goals. Popular choices include Snapseed and Lightroom, which allow you to add stylish filters (or even overlay different quirky effects!). There are a seemingly endless amount of possibilities! You can tone down overexposed highlights, increase the colour vibrancy, or even remove unwanted sections of the image (such as pedestrians in the background).
However, remember to keep things to a minimum—many people are guilty of overusing the smoothing tool, turning their faces into a flat, blurry mess!
Upgrade Your Phone
If you are steadily falling behind in the world of phone technology (with a low-level camera and stone-aged applications), then it is time to upgrade. You can open yourself to a new generation of smartphones that boasts multiple lenses, night modes, and high-megapixel shooting quality.
If you are an Apple lover (like me), you’ve been eyeing up those iPhone 16 Pro Max Deals. Why not treat yourself and experience the advanced camera tech on offer that allows you to capture vibrant colours, crisp details and fantastic low-light shots that older models can never hope to achieve?
Experiment With Different Angles
One of my biggest pet peeves is when people take photos (especially full-length portraits) while standing up; more often than not, it produces a profoundly unflattering result. Instead, I always recommend crouching to get a great shot (this is also true with traditional cameras such as my DSLR).
However, taking the snap from a high angle may be advantageous in capturing a wide view of the subject or object (such as a platter of food or an arty group shot). To achieve this, you may need to elevate your position using furniture (like a chair or table – just be careful!).
Varying angles can drastically change the feel of a photo, transforming an otherwise boring scene into something that is visually striking.
Summary
Your top-of-the-range smartphone is an introduction to the world of photography and something you can slip into your pocket (unlike the typically giant pro cameras), and they allow you to take amazing images in seconds. Just grab your device and start snapping; soon you will be a top-level camera expert with hundreds of shots in their camera roll, ready to share with the world.
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