The Art of sMARTPHONE pHOTOGRAPHY
The best type of camera is the one you have on you and in most cases it's going to be your smartphone. Anyone that says that an iPhone can't take great portraits is simply lying. Here are some tips to improve your phone photography. As a photographer myself.
Lighting is key:
Lighting sets the mood of a photograph and can drastically change the look and feel of your photo. Natural light is best most of the time, and direct sunlight can often create a beautiful, soft three-dimensional effect. If you’re indoors, look for an area with the most natural light, or try using a lamp or other light source to get the look you want. Try moving towards a window and facing the subject towards the window. You'll instantly notice how big of a difference this makes.
Use portrait mode:
Elevate your smartphone photography by using portrait mode to create stunning photos with a beautifully blurred background. On an iPhone, simply open the camera app and swipe to select "Portrait" mode. For Android users, look for the "Portrait" mode or "Depth" effect in your camera app settings. Explore the art of visual storytelling, one frame at a time. The key to creating a beautiful image this way is not standing too far away from your subject, that way the portrait mode actually takes into affect.
Hold your phone steady:
One of the most common mistakes made when taking photos is a shaky hand! Unless you’re going for blurry effect, try and hold your phone steady while taking your photos. If you need to, try using a tripod or prop to keep your phone still while shooting.
Get in close and use fill flash:
If you’re taking a photo of someone, forget the zoom, and get in close. If the person you’re shooting has bright lights in the backgrounds, using the built in camera flash to help to balance the image out.
Try different angles:
Sometimes it’s the angle that can make or break a photo. Try shooting from different angles to see what works best for the photo you’re taking. A bird’s-eye view, for example, can help show off details and patterns of a certain scene or object. You can also experiment with different perspectives and shooting from just above or lower than normal.
Edit your photos:
Editing your photos afterwards can help you get the exact look and feel you’re going for. There are plenty of editing apps that are super simple to use, and even just adding a filter can make a powerful difference to your photo. I highly suggest downloading the free Lightroom Mobile app. My personal favorite quick edits are made to the exposure, contrast, and white balance.
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when it comes to taking great photos with your phone. But with these simple tips, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of every photo, and having a professional photographer on hand for those especially important occasions can relieve the stress of trying to capture everything yourself. Professionals know the ins and outs of taking great photos and can help you create lasting memories of your special occasions.
