Taking pictures with your phone that will look like a professional took them takes a little bit of photography knowledge.
I am happy to share my photography experience with you so you capture better pictures with your phone.
Want to learn how to take professional photos with your iPhone or Android phone? Then you’re in the right place. Many manufacturers offer some of the best cameras to be found on smartphones, especially if you have the latest Apple phone. Even professional photographers are using iPhones for some photography work and there’s no denying that it’s possible to get incredible shots.
However, despite the fantastic camera arrays on smartphones, it’s still possible to get badly lit, poorly composed or just plain boring shots if you don’t know what you’re doing. Fortunately, a few tips can go a long way to help you get professional photos from a cell phone.
I have been a successful, award winning professional photographer for over fifteen years and experience is the key. The following guide will share my experience and suggest some simple things to bear in mind, like what settings to use and general pointers that apply to photography with any phone.
Use the Rule of Thirds and New Viewpoints
One of the biggest tips to take outstanding photos on a phone, is to use the rule of thirds. Dating way back to Renaissance art, the rule of thirds involves dividing your image into a three-by-three grid. Placing the main subjects of your photo along these lines can create much more visually arresting images. Think horizon line at the top or bottom of the frame depending on which is more import, the top of the frame or the bottom.
When we take a photo, we’re often tempted to place our subject bang centre of the shot, but it can actually produce a better image to place it to one side, leaving space for the subject to interact with or move into. Our brains like some symmetry, but not too much, and eye-catching compositions usually have unequal elements on each side of the frame.
You can train yourself to use the rule of thirds by activating the grid lines in your phone camera settings. Go to the Camera section in the settings app and toggle the Grid switch to on.
Another general photography tip that can be used to take more pro photos with your phone is to look for different, more original viewpoints rather than shoot everything from where you’re standing. Explore high and low angles to see how they change a scene. Different angles can reveal details and hidden symmetries in common everyday scenes. It tends to get people’s attention when they see a photograph of something they know, but view it in a different way.
Create a sense of depth in your phone photos
Switch to Manual or Portrait Mode
Lastly, be creative with your pictures; the result will impress you!
Have fun with your phone’s camera! Experiment with angles, lighting, and unique perspectives to capture moments in creative ways. There are no rules—just let your imagination guide you. Keep exploring, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating. Your next great shot could be just a tap away!
