Smartphone photography has come a long way, and in the last year, phones like the Samsung Galaxy S8, iPhone 8, and Google Pixel 2 offer cameras that rival dedicated point-and-shoots. Whether you’re capturing memories, showcasing your creativity, or simply improving your everyday photos, learning the basics of smartphone photography can help you take stunning pictures.
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to getting started with smartphone photography in 2017.
1. Understand Your Camera Features
Modern smartphones come packed with features designed to enhance your photography. Familiarising yourself with these is the first step.
- HDR Mode: High Dynamic Range balances light and shadow for better detail in high-contrast scenes.
- Portrait Mode: Available on phones like the iPhone 8 Plus, this feature creates a blurred background (bokeh) for professional-looking portraits.
- Pro Mode: Found on the Samsung Galaxy S8, this lets you manually control settings like ISO and shutter speed.
- Live Photos: On iPhones, this captures a few seconds of motion around your shot for dynamic memories.
Pro Tip: Experiment with these features to understand when and how to use them effectively.
2. Master Lighting Basics
Lighting is everything in photography. Knowing how to work with light will make your photos more dynamic.
- Natural Light: Shoot outdoors during golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, warm lighting.
- Avoid Harsh Midday Light: If shooting at noon, find shade to soften shadows.
- Use Artificial Light Wisely: Indoors, position your subject near a window or use soft lighting for even exposure.
Pro Tip: Avoid relying on your phone’s flash, as it can create harsh lighting and unnatural colours.
3. Compose Your Shots Thoughtfully
Good composition makes your photos more visually appealing.
- Rule of Thirds: Enable the grid in your camera settings and position your subject along the grid lines for balanced shots.
- Leading Lines: Use natural lines (e.g., roads, fences) to guide the viewer’s eye toward your subject.
- Framing: Frame your subject using arches, windows, or branches for a more creative look.
- Negative Space: Allow empty areas in your photo to draw attention to your subject.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different angles—shoot from above, below, or the side for unique perspectives.
4. Keep Your Camera Steady
Blurry photos are often the result of shaky hands. Stabilise your phone to get sharper images.
- Use Both Hands: Hold your phone with both hands for better stability.
- Use a Tripod: A small smartphone tripod can make a big difference, especially for night photography or long exposures.
- Timer Mode: Set a 2- or 5-second timer to avoid shaking the phone when pressing the shutter.
Pro Tip: The optical image stabilisation (OIS) on phones like the Samsung Galaxy S8 can help reduce blur in low-light conditions.
5. Focus on Your Subject
Your smartphone camera usually focuses automatically, but manual focus gives you more control.
- Tap to Focus: Tap on the screen to ensure your subject is sharp and clear.
- Adjust Exposure: After focusing, use the exposure slider (a sun icon) to brighten or darken the image as needed.
Pro Tip: For portraits, focus on the subject’s eyes to make the photo more engaging.
6. Explore Editing Apps
Editing can turn a good photo into a great one. Even simple adjustments can elevate your shots.
- Basic Edits: Crop, straighten, and adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation.
- Advanced Tools: Apps like Snapseed and Lightroom Mobile offer professional-grade tools for colour correction and selective edits.
- Filters: Enhance your photos with filters, but use them sparingly to avoid an overprocessed look.
Pro Tip: Always keep a copy of your original photo in case you want to revert to it later.
7. Use Your Camera Lenses Creatively
Many 2017 smartphones come with multiple lenses, offering new creative possibilities.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Great for capturing landscapes or group shots.
- Telephoto Lens: Ideal for portraits or zooming in without losing quality.
- Macro Shots: Get close to your subject to capture fine details like textures or patterns.
Pro Tip: Avoid using digital zoom, as it reduces image quality. Instead, move closer to your subject.
8. Practice with Different Modes
Each camera mode serves a unique purpose. Experiment with these to broaden your skills:
- Panorama: Capture wide, sweeping scenes like cityscapes or beaches.
- Burst Mode: Take multiple shots quickly to capture action scenes or fleeting expressions.
- Time-Lapse: Create dynamic videos that show changes over time, like clouds moving or city traffic.
Pro Tip: Review your phone’s user guide to discover hidden camera modes you might not have tried yet.
9. Keep Your Lens Clean
Smudges and dirt on your camera lens can make your photos appear blurry or hazy.
- Clean the lens with a soft, lint-free cloth regularly.
- Avoid touching the lens directly to minimise fingerprints.
Pro Tip: Keep a microfiber cloth in your bag or pocket for quick cleaning on the go.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice
The more you shoot, the better you’ll understand your smartphone camera’s strengths and limitations.
- Experiment: Try shooting in different lighting conditions, environments, and angles.
- Review Your Shots: Analyse your photos to see what worked and what didn’t.
- Learn from Others: Follow photographers on social media for inspiration and tips.
Pro Tip: Join online photography communities to share your work and get feedback.
Conclusion
With the advanced camera features in smartphones, anyone can take stunning photos with a little practice and creativity. By understanding your phone’s capabilities, mastering lighting and composition, and experimenting with editing, you’ll quickly elevate your smartphone photography skills.
So grab your phone, head outside, and start shooting—you’ll be amazed at the results you can achieve!