Photo out of focus? Too much flash? A pinkie finger that appears in the foreground so often, it should have its own Tumblr page? Does this sound familiar?
Even though the technology of smartphone cameras has made great strides over the past few years, that doesn’t mean we know what to do with all those megapixels. In order to get the perfect shot, you need to keep a few tips in mind. Follow these simple smartphone photography tips, and before you know it you’ll be the next Ansel Adams.
- Clean your lens. When not attached to a hand, most people keep their smartphones in their purse or pocket, collecting oils and lint on the surface of the lens. Take a moment to wipe any particles away.
- Take it outdoors. Natural light with the sun behind you performs much better than indoors. If you’re indoors, stand by the window or you can use your flash in the daytime. Many smartphones now have the ability to adapt to lighting conditions and will fix any white balance issues.
- Hold the smartphone with two hands. Use a table or something sturdy to keep your hands from shaking. Be sure to master the camera’s response time. It takes a moment to focus, causing a delay between the time you press the button and the time the actual photo is taken. You’re guaranteed a blurry shot if you don’t pay attention.
Once you’ve mastered those techniques you can move on to the more advanced features:
- Avoid using digital zoom. Most smartphones don’t have an optical zoom, which means when you enlarge the photo, the size of the pixels increase and the quality decreases. If you can, move closer to the object or increase your resolution.
- When playing with resolution, choose the largest picture size. You’ll be able to capture more detail while maintaining a crisp, clear image.
- Finally, explore your settings and features. Some cameras let you play around with exposure, effects, ISO, image properties, some even have a self-timer. Have fun with it!
With these tips in mind and a little practice, you’ll become a smartphone camera pro in no time!
