Think you need a fancy camera to take great photos? Think again. Today’s smartphones pack serious photography power, and with a few simple tricks, you can take photos that look like they came from a pro.
Whether you’re snapping landscapes, portraits, or your morning coffee, these tips will help you get the most out of your phones camera.
1. Clean Your Lens (Don’t skip this one)
It sounds obvious, but fingerprints and dust are the fastest way to ruin a shot. Wipe your lens with a soft cloth (or even your shirt) before you start shooting. I always clean my gear or atleast check that it doesn’t have fingerprints or dust before every shoot/photo I take with my Nikon D850 or my iPhone.
2. Find Good Light
Light is everything in photography. Natural light is the best. Early morning or late afternoon sunlight will make your photos look soft and flattering. Avoid using your phone’s flash unless absolutely necessary; it often creates harsh shadows and flat-looking images. Harsh sunlight creates awful shadows so keep that in mind when shooting in direct sunlight.
3. Use the Rule of Thirds
Most phone cameras have a grid option in settings—turn it on. Place your subject where the gridlines intersect instead of smack in the center. This simple trick adds balance and interest to your composition. Bonus: Turn on the level feature in your iPhone to make sure that the photo is straight.
4. Don’t Zoom, Move Closer
Digital zoom on phones reduces quality and makes your images grainy. Instead of pinching to zoom, take a few steps closer to your subject (or crop later if needed). Zoom if you want that telephoto lens look or to make the background bigger!
5. Tap to Focus and Adjust Exposure
Before taking a photo, tap on your subject to set the focus. Most phones also let you adjust exposure by sliding up or down after tapping—brighten or darken your shot until it looks just right. I usually always slide the exposure down just a bit to create that “moody/dark/” aesthetic
6. Avoid Over-Editing
Editing apps are fun (and powerful), but too much saturation or sharpening can make your photos look unnatural. Stick to subtle adjustments. Boost contrast, adjust shadows, and maybe add a touch of vibrance. Try moving the slider all the way in both directions to see what it does and that way you can also find the perfect adjustmet for your photo.
Remember: Less is more
7. Keep It Steady
Blurry photos? Steady your phone by holding it with both hands or propping it on a surface. Better yet, use a small tripod or your phone’s timer to eliminate shake.
8. Experiment With Angles
Try shooting from a low angle for dramatic effect or from above for a flat lay. Moving just a few inches can completely change the vibe of your photo. Tip: turn your phone upside down when taking food pictures.
9. Use Night Mode Sparingly
Most phones now have a night mode for low light. It’s great for cityscapes or dimly lit scenes but can make moving subjects look blurry. For better results, find a light source or wait for better lighting if possible. I have learned that if you take a photo with night mode you must stay super still to make the photo sharp, especially during the night. At least try it out!
10. Practice, Practice, Practice
I know this one is hard to hear but unfotunately it’s true. The more you shoot, the better you’ll get. Pay attention to what works (and what doesn’t) as you experiment with light, angles, and editing. Try to take photos everyday, even if it’s a selfie, photo of your cat or meal or just some random moment from your day. You can make even the most “boring” things interesting with the right angles, light or composition.
Bonus Tip: Third-Party Camera Apps
Apps like Lightroom Mobile, VSCO, or Halide give you more control over settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance that help you take your phone photography to the next level. My personal favorite is Lightroom but there are free options available also if you don’t want to spend money on monthly subscriptions.
Final Word
You don’t need the latest iPhone or Galaxy to take beautiful photos—just a little know-how and creativity. So grab your phone, go outside, and start capturing the world around you.
The best camera is the one in your pocket and remember that it’s not about your gear, it’s you and your talent!