- Invest in lenses and phone accessories for better picture quality and perspective.
- Use the rule of thirds for better composition and balance.
- Edit sparingly to avoid overdoing it.
- Capture movement with a slow shutter speed and a tripod or steadying surface.
- Understand the types of natural light available and use them to your advantage.
With mobile phones having compelling cameras, it’s not a surprise that many aspiring photographers are honing their skills with just their smartphones. Capturing beautiful sceneries, memories, and moments through our mobile camera has become an art form.
Whether you’re an amateur Instagrammer or looking to improve your phone photography skills for better work output, here are some tips and tricks to improve your mobile photography game.
Invest in Equipment
The first thing you need to do is invest in lenses and phone accessories. These can range from clip-on lenses of different sizes to tripods, stabilizers, and even cases with built-in lenses. Depending on your photography type, the right lens can help you capture stunning images.
For instance, if you like taking photos of landscapes and nature, buying phone lenses for wider image angles would be best. These lenses are specifically designed for mobile photography and can enable you to take pictures from any angle and include more of the scenery in your shots.
Composition is king
How you frame your photo is a crucial aspect. The rule of thirds is the golden rule of composition. This rule suggests placing points of interest, such as people or essential elements, at intersections of four imaginary lines. Doing so creates a sense of balance and aids the viewer’s eye to travel through the frame.
Editing is essential
While it’s best to capture a perfect photo, editing tools are there to enhance what you’ve already captured. You can adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness, and saturation in most apps, but use it sparingly to avoid over-edited photos. Also, free editing apps like VSCO, Lightroom, and Snapseed allow users more in-depth adjustments compared to regular photo editing apps.
Capture movement
Car light trails, running water, or playful kids running around are beautiful subjects that can capture the feeling of motion. Use the shutter speed to capture movement creatively. Slow shutter speed blurs movement, adding action and drama to a photo. You can use a tripod or stabilize your phone on a steady surface to avoid camera shakes and enable long exposure.
Experimentation is key
Phone photography is continually evolving with new phones and models. Be open to different perspectives, angles, and styles to advance your creativity. Try new phone accessories like telephoto lenses, wide-angle lenses, or fish-eye lens kits to add diversity to your phone photography works.
Use natural lighting
Taking great photos with your smartphone has never been easier, but it still requires some skill, especially when using natural lighting. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, knowing how to use natural light can take your photos to the next level.
Understand the Different Types of Natural Light
Perhaps the most crucial step in using natural light in mobile photography is understanding the different types of natural light. Other times of day have other qualities of light that can enhance or detract from your photos.
Position Your Subject Properly
The position of your subject matters a lot when it comes to natural lighting. If your issue is backlit, it can create a beautiful halo effect and cast a shadow on the face. Make sure your subject is positioned so that the light shines directly onto their face, bringing out the details and highlighting their features.
Reflect the Light
If you find yourself in a situation with too harsh or uneven light, use a reflector to even it out. You don’t need expensive glass to get the job done – simply use a white piece of paper or cardboard to direct the light where you want it. Hold the reflector on the opposite side of the light source and watch as the light bounces back onto your subject.
Use Silhouettes to Your Advantage
Silhouettes can add a unique touch to your mobile photos and can look stunning. When you’re shooting during Golden Hour or Blue Hour, and the light is coming from behind your subject, try positioning them so that their silhouette stands out. You can play around with the exposure settings to get the perfect detail in the photo.
The bottom line
In conclusion, improving your mobile photography skills is about understanding basic rules, developing good habits, and experimenting continuously. Practice, review, and critique your recent works to hone your skills and identify areas where you can improve. Remember, stunning photographs capture the moment and the feeling of that moment, so don’t hesitate to tell your story through your phone camera lens. Follow these tips and get ready to capture moments that you’ll cherish.