If you are a keen photographer but do not have the money to fork out for an expensive camera, then fear not. Camera phones have come a long way since the Motorola flip phone and now, it is more possible than ever to take stunning photos on your phone. The trick is knowing how to take those photos. Here are some tips on how to take better photos on your camera phone.
The Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is an important method to practice to help you get the framing of your pictures right. Many Android and iOS devices have features that will split the screen into 9 rectangular sections (3×3). Use the lines to keep objects and elements of the photo running along these lines or intersections where they meet.
Steady Support
Whether you are taking a photo on a professional camera or a smartphone, you need to ensure that you keep it is still as possible in order to not blur the image. A steady hand is helpful but we aren’t all blessed with this ability. So if you struggle to keep your phone from shaking as you try to take a photo, you can either invest in a tripod or use something flat, such as a wall, fence post or shelf to keep your phone steady as you take the photo.
Change Your Focus
You may already know that you can tap your phone screen to change the focus of the camera. This will also change the exposure level to keep everything in sync. This can be useful for brightening up darker areas or dimming light in areas that are too bright.
If you have an iPhone, this is an option that allows you to lock the focus and exposure, even if you move the camera. So if you find the perfect exposure and focus for the shot your taking, it isn’t going to get lost. Simply tap and hold the small sun icon to lock it.
Use the Physical Sutter Button
There are generally two ways that you can capture a photo on a smartphone, most modern devices have both a physical and software shutter button. The physical button is located on the outside of the phone and requires you to press it down. The software one is located on the phone screen and only requires a tap. In most situations, you will find that it can be easier to use the physical button and more beneficial as it helps keep the device steadier.
These are just some of the tips to help you take better photos on your smartphone. With photography, not every technique or tip is going to work for everything and people will find different methods easier than others but the best thing you can do is play about with the settings, try different methods and see what works best for you.
