Smartphones have come a long way since their early days and their cameras are more capable than ever. While they may not yet rival professional DSLRs, they can still produce stunning portraits when used correctly. Whether you’re using an iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S6, or another popular device, learning how to make the most of your smartphone’s camera features is key to capturing beautiful portraits.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you take better portraits with your smartphone.
1. Find the Right Lighting
Lighting is the foundation of any good portrait. Since smartphone cameras aren’t great in low light, it’s important to work with the available light:
- Natural Light: Take advantage of soft, diffused light from windows or shade for flattering portraits.
- Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise or before sunset provides warm, soft light perfect for portrait photography.
- Avoid Harsh Direct Light: Midday sunlight can create unflattering shadows. Use shade or a reflector (even a white sheet of paper) to soften the light.
2. Use Your Phone’s Focus Features
Even in 2015, smartphones offer some manual control over focus, allowing you to emphasise your subject.
- Tap to Focus: Tap on your subject on the screen to ensure they’re in sharp focus. This also helps adjust the exposure for your subject.
- Lock Focus: On most smartphones, holding down on the screen locks the focus and exposure, so you can recompose the shot without losing clarity.
3. Experiment with Composition
Good composition can make or break a portrait. Use these techniques to elevate your shots:
- Rule of Thirds: Most smartphones have a grid feature in their camera settings. Place your subject off-centre for a more dynamic composition.
- Fill the Frame: Move closer to your subject to eliminate distracting backgrounds and draw attention to their face.
- Use Leading Lines: Incorporate lines in the background, like paths or fences, to direct attention to your subject.
4. Pay Attention to Backgrounds
A cluttered background can distract from your subject. Keep these tips in mind:
- Choose Simple Backdrops: Solid colours or plain walls help your subject stand out.
- Use Depth: If possible, position your subject several feet in front of the background. While smartphones don’t have portrait mode yet, this separation can mimic depth.
- Avoid Distracting Elements: Watch out for objects like poles or trees “sticking out” from behind your subject.
5. Make the Most of Your Smartphone’s Camera Settings
In 2015, smartphones have some useful camera features you can use to improve your portraits:
- HDR Mode: Use High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode in tricky lighting conditions to balance shadows and highlights.
- Filters and Effects: Many phones offer built-in filters. Experiment to find one that enhances the mood of your portrait.
- Third-Party Apps: Apps like Camera+ (iPhone) or Camera FV-5 (Android) give you additional controls like ISO and white balance for more precise shots.
6. Master Framing and Angles
The angle and framing of your photo can greatly influence its quality.
- Eye Level: Hold the camera at the subject’s eye level for a natural perspective.
- Experiment with Angles: Try shooting from slightly above for a slimming effect or from below for a more dramatic look.
- Crop Instead of Zoom: Avoid using digital zoom, as it reduces quality. Instead, crop the photo later.
7. Use Accessories for Extra Impact
While smartphones are great on their own, a few simple accessories can improve your portraits:
- Clip-On Lenses: Attach a clip-on portrait or macro lens to enhance your phone’s capabilities.
- Mini Tripods: A tripod keeps the phone steady for sharper shots, especially in low light.
- External Lights: LED ring lights or portable flash units can improve lighting dramatically.
8. Capture Natural Expressions
Great portraits are about more than technical skill—they’re about capturing personality.
- Make Your Subject Comfortable: Chat with them to create a relaxed atmosphere.
- Use Burst Mode: Take multiple shots in quick succession to capture subtle changes in expression.
- Candid Moments: Avoid stiff, posed shots by encouraging your subject to move or interact with their surroundings.
9. Edit for the Perfect Finish
Even the best photos can benefit from a little editing. In 2015, editing apps are more accessible than ever:
- Snapseed: Adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness.
- VSCO: Apply filters for a professional touch.
- Adobe Photoshop Express: Remove blemishes or adjust specific parts of your photo.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice
The more you experiment with your smartphone’s camera, the better your portraits will become. Try shooting in different lighting conditions, experimenting with angles, and learning how your phone handles various scenarios.
Conclusion
While smartphones don’t yet have the advanced portrait features we see in DSLRs or newer models, they’re still powerful tools for capturing stunning portraits. By mastering lighting, composition, and your phone’s camera settings, you can take professional-looking photos with ease.
With a little practice and creativity, your smartphone can become your go-to device for portrait photography. Get started today, and let your photos shine!