The camera app on your smartphone is getting better and better with the new camera systems on them. So, why should your mobile photography still rely on the old ways?
You could take a mobile photography course, or you could just follow our tips and tricks for mobile phone photography and get started!
In this post, we will help you understand your smartphone’s camera system better and guide you with the dos and don’ts of mobile photography. We also share with you some of our favourite photography ideas that you can take at home or when you are travelling.
What’s in a Smartphone?
Before you begin your phone photography journey, you should know what you are working with. Not all smartphone cameras and camera apps are the same.
iPhoneography vs. Android Talents
The main tool for smartphone photography is the mobile phone itself. The choice is primarily between iPhone and Android smartphones. Both smartphone universes offer some of the best camera phones.
With the latest iPhone 13, Apple has taken on mobile photography even more seriously with its triple-camera system. On the other hand, you will already find Android mobile phones with quad and even Penta-camera systems.
In terms of build, the iPhone continues to be consistent and brings high-quality elements that guarantee good results. Android, on the other hand, is an open market allowing different companies to have a stake.
Android smartphones vary in their construction and quality. Therefore, even with the same megapixel lenses, you can expect different results. If you are serious about mobile phone photography, then the hardware and software elements will matter.
Camera Lenses
Though the dual-camera system is not new, its popularity rose in recent times. These days, it is impossible to find phones featuring less than one camera. But what do the lenses and sensors on your phone camera system do?
Wide and Ultra-Wide Lenses: These lenses are perfect for landscape photography as they allow you to capture more in a single shot.
Telephoto Lens: These lenses allow for optical zoom and are ideal for creating focus effects in portrait mode and bokeh effect. These lenses work with additional lenses and sensors to get you close to the action.
Periscope Lens: Like telephoto lenses, these lenses also enhance the zooming capability of your smartphone using a prism mirror system along with lenses.
Macro Lens: These are designed for short-range photography to take detailed photos of small objects.
Monochrome Sensor: These are perfect for monochromatic photos. These lenses allow you to get sharp black-and-white photos. Together with other lenses, they allow you to take well-lit photos.
Depth Sensor: These lenses allow you to depict depth in your photos to allow you to create blur effects and augmented reality rendering that rival professional work.
Photography Tips and Tricks with a Phone
We are now getting to the good part of this post! Even if you do not have a professional’s skills, these tips and tricks will teach you how to take good pictures.
Wipe the Lens
It might not occur to you at first, but camera lenses can get dirty from everyday use. Make sure you wipe them to avoid dirt or dust from spoiling your shots. Check out our range of cleaning and hygiene products!
Shine Bright
Natural light always makes for the best lighting conditions when you want high-quality results. Daytime is also ideal for flash photography. You can level up by using a light kit or bringing drama with different coloured lights.
Bring Balance with Gridlines
Following the rule of thirds will allow you to take amazingly composed photos. Place your point of interest along the lines or at the intersection of the matrix before you click.
Exposure Eccentricity
Manually adjust the exposure before you take your pictures. Tap the screen on your camera app, and you will notice a small sun with a vertical bar as it refocuses. Adjust the bar to let the right amount of light come in.
Take HDR Photos
When you need the darks and lights to shine, use the High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode of your camera app. However, avoid shooting in this mode when you have fast-moving elements or when you cannot stabilise the shot.
Zoom-in or Zoom-out?
Better to do neither when possible. It is best to get close to your subject rather than relying on a digital zoom function as this can create blurry and grainy photos. You can always crop your pictures to avoid compromising on the image quality.
A Burst of Photos
Burst mode is a great way to take multiple photos and choose the best one later. This mode is perfect for when you want to take candid photos.
Explore the Native Camera App
Do not just open the camera app and click pics. Both iPhone and Android smartphones have evolved their camera apps and associated apps to allow you to get awesome pics! Check out the different effects it offers, like depth-of-field effects, and filters and play around with them.
Say No to Camera Shake
Nobody wants a shaky photo. If your smartphone camera does not have a stabilisation feature, then investing in a tripod, or making sure you have some kind of support, like a wall or table, to stabilise your camera, will help.
Do Not be Afraid to Edit
It is not just about adjusting the brightness and contrast. Edit your photos to bring out the details and add a touch of oomph or drama to them. Try third-party apps to clean up your images and maybe even give them a professional finish.
Accessorise for Better Shots
For serious photographers, phone photography accessories are a must-have to get good photos. Whether it is a selfie or a fashion shoot with your smartphone, with proper mobile phone camera accessories you can up your game and make sure you do not drop your phone!
First and foremost, we highly recommend getting yourself a phone case or phone cover. From improving grip to allowing you to take underwater photographs, covers play an important role. Check out our range of waterproof phone cases and bags!
Pop sockets, grip rings, and other similar accessories allow you to take the perfect selfie without the danger of dropping your phone. Selfie sticks and gimbals are also a great choice as most also come with triggers and built-in tripods.
Tripods are a necessity when you want to set up your phone camera for long-exposure shots or when you want to be in your group photos. There are a variety of choices in these as well. The ones with joints can be easily set up on uneven surfaces.
You can find more helpful and useful accessories in our other camera accessories section!
Mobile Photography Ideas to Try
Social media has made the cameras on our mobile phones the most used feature. From taking a snap to posting your travel vlog, smartphone cameras have become an indispensable part of those that soak up the world around them.
In this section, we share with you some photography ideas to try the next time you are out and about or even just at home.
Our Perfect Selves – Phone Selfportrait Photography
The word selfie came into existence with the front cameras on smartphones. As more and more companies have upgraded their secondary cameras, it is time to put your game face on too.
Once you have made sure you are looking good and feeling good, make sure you have a nice background. Mess is only good when it is intentionally created for a shoot. Solid colours are always a great choice for photos and videos.
As we have mentioned earlier, natural light is the best. But you might not have natural light everywhere and all the time. You can consider clip-on ring lights or ring lights to add softness to your appearance, such as the Apexel phone photography kit.
Pose confidently and try out different angles. Selfies usually make you forget where the camera lens is, so consider setting a timer or a remote shutter button to avoid those awkward half-caught expressions.
Take as many selfies as you want before settling for that perfect one. Do not go overboard with your poses or editing though. If your camera app has a Portrait mode it might be a good idea to use it. Check out our Selfie Guide for more ways to capture your perfect self.
Get Drawn to Leading Lines – A Photography Idea for a Sense of Depth
Leading lines could be anything in your composition that draws the viewer’s eyes to a specific point of interest. Consider a photo taken from the centre of a spiralling staircase or a road that disappears into the mountains. They look beautiful, don’t they?
The sense of depth created by leading lines will give your snaps a professional look. Remember to align everything using the gridlines of your camera app. Look for them when you go out into the concrete jungle or even a real one.
Balanced with Symmetry for the Best Mobile Photography Images
Have you ever noticed how symmetry in photos makes them look perfect? The harmonious feeling of the mirrored half of the pictures creates a pleasing effect for its viewers. Consider including or creating symmetrical elements in your shots to create a sense of completeness to your images.
Ensure you have aligned all the elements properly in the image, else it might be a little jarring. But alignments can be fixed with a good photo editing app.
Get Out of the Box – Mobile Photography Ideas from Your Imagination
Your little replacement for the bulky camera is supposed to allow you to have as much fun as you can while photographing! When it comes to taking candid photos of family and friends, smartphones make it quick and easy.
You also do not have to stick to the standard styles of photography. Click abstract photos to derive the extraordinary from the ordinary. Think of close-ups of architecture, a fruit platter, or even your palms.
Do not be afraid to experiment with angles, emotions, or even the chaos of the bustling city. The more you explore, the better you will understand your photography style.
Patterns and Repetitions – A Mobile Photography Trick for Fun
Ever loved the chequered picnic blanket or noticed how beautifully lined-up all the macaroons were? Photograph them! Repetitions and patterns, just like symmetry, create a pleasing and more exciting composition.
Go Panorama – Landscape Photography
When used correctly, the Panorama mode brings brilliant results. This mode is ideal for capturing scenic landscapes in a single shot. But you can also take some interesting photos of people with it, for example, trick photographs to show your non-existent twin!
Explore the different panorama modes on your phone or consider downloading a third-party camera app to expand your options.
Capture the Night – Smartphone Night Photography
Who does not love a starry night? While most smartphones will not allow you to take long exposure photos, you can achieve it by using third-party apps that simulate the shutter speed needed for these pictures.
We also recommend you move away from all light pollution and consider a tripod to capture the night in all its glory. Also, avoid using digital zoom as it will create some poor images.
Up-close and Personal – Macro Photography with a Phone
For the love of details and all things small and beautiful, choose macro photography. This style might need an additional macro lens, as smartphone lenses use a combination of lens data and algorithms.
Make sure you know the focal length and the maximum size your lens can capture before snapping away. Choose the right weather and have a lot of patience before you photograph your tiny subjects. And as a best practice, wipe your lens before you begin your shoots.
Click and Upload
A good camera system helps, but knowing how to use the cameras on your phones makes all the difference. We hope our post has helped you feel more confident with your snaps. Make sure to keep your smartphones clean, so you do not end up with blurry photos.
Keep learning with our blogs to hone your skills with smartphones. Are you looking for a new smartphone that fulfils all your photography needs? Do you need to find a mobile phone accessory that will enhance your experience?
Whatever your need, you can get in touch with us, and we will help you make the right choice.