Want to easily improve your photos instantly? Read about these easy, simple tips that you can do right away to improve your images.
Squeeze instead of tap
Don’t tap. Don’t push. Squeeze. Gently squeeze.
This is true whether using a “big” camera like a mirrorless or DSLR, a point-and-shoot, or a mobile phone. Why? So you’re far less likely to move the camera or phone by jarring it and making everything blurry. Gently squeezing it is a great way of keeping the camera still and having everything come out beautifully sharp.
B-b-but how do I squeeze on a mobile phone?
I’m glad you asked.
I’ve noticed that when people take photos, they tap the shutter button. Doink! Unless done very carefully, this tap moves your smartphone at the very time when the camera should be still.
Many mobile phones allow you to take photos by squeezing the volume button. Try it and see if your phone takes photos this way. If you only did this, your images could already dramatically improve.
Keep it steady
Steady the camera whenever possible. You want to keep it as still as possible, so be conscious of that. Rest it against a railing, rock, tree, table or even use a small tripod.
Also, relaxing and holding your arms still with your elbows in and slowly squeezing the volume button (if that’s an option) to trigger the camera can result in much sharper images. To take this image above, I steadied my iPhone 6 on the table.
Us night photographers take this so seriously that we always photograph with a tripod. And typically, a good sturdy, quality tripod. Keep it steady.
Keep it eye level
When you watch people taking photos, they typically take photos standing, rarely varying their height. If you want better, more engaging photos, take your photos of people or animals at eye level more often. Whether taking photos of children, pets, people sitting at a table, people sitting on a floor, or whatever, vary your camera so that it is on the same plane as their eyes. I think you’ll be much happier with your photos.
Can you take effective photos that are not at eye level? Sure! But more often than not, eye level is the most engaging.
Using Portrait Mode for people … and more!
Some phones, such as newer iPhones, have Portrait Mode. This blurs the background of your photos, allowing your subject to stand out. This is often done with more expensive lenses and cameras. However, many newer phones can do this with computational photography.
Some newer phones take this a step further. This feature can be used when it’s not a person. Blurring the background can be great for other subjects as well, such as flowers and more.
Learn what options you have with your phone
I would encourage you to poke around on your camera app. Experiment with some of the other functions. I really enjoy creating time-lapse videos or slow-motion videos. You can really have quite a lot of fun — and create great images or videos — with something that is “just a phone.” Enjoy!