Tips to Take Better Pictures with your Smartphone

November 23, 2012 • Photography, Posts, Tips

Smartphones these days, cost a lot more than entry level DSLRs and some phones cost as much as a mid level DSLR. But when you compare the image quality, smartphones, with their tiny sensors, produce images with reasonable quality. But, a good picture doesn’t need to be tact sharp or noise free and there are other factors like composition and perspective that makes a picture stand apart. Here are some tips that will help you shoot better pictures with your smartphone.

7504887716 d9e6e1c4e9 Tips to Take Better Pictures with your Smartphone

CC Photo By: C L

Follow the classic rules

Although there are no rules in photography, it is wise to learn about the rule of thirds before you think of breaking it. Most smartphones have grids, there are nothing but two vertical and two horizontal lines that are evenly placed. The two lines intersect and produce nine boxes. To follow the rule of thirds, you need to place the point of interest on the intersection of the two lines. This makes the composition aesthetically pleasing and clears out clutter in most cases.

Get closer

Smartphones do not have optical zoom and rather have something called the digital zoom. DO NOT USE IT. Digital zoom is nothing but cropping and you will end up with an image that is pixilated. If you want the subject to fill the frame, move closer!

The shooting posture

A lot of people shoot at arm’s length and this is a good thing, especially when you consider the fact that you don’t have a view finder. But the problem starts when you keep your hands stiff! Stiff hands shiver after a few seconds and you will end up with a blurry image or shoot a UFO. So the trick is simple, compose the frame, move closer if you want to and gently press the shutter button.

The image quality and flash

Smart phones have the option to tweak the image quality and generally there are three types: basic, normal and fine JPEG. Fine JPEG will give you the best image quality, but you will have to compromise on the file size. So, instead of shooting 100 images, shoot 50 high quality images, you will not regret. When it comes to lighting the image, this might sound strange, but use flash to fill the image, especially when you have a light source behind the subject. When you are shooting in low light, avoid firing the flash as it will flatten the image and make it look unnatural. Rather, use the available light and make the image look as realistic as possible.

Keeping the optics clean

A clean lens will help you achieve better images. With the phone going in and out of your pocket, it is only natural that you will have dust accumulation. Clean the lens with a soft cloth and wipe it in a circular motion. Do not use a damp cloth or use your finger tips to clean it.

Avoid Effects

A lot of people tend to simulate Lomography. Sepia and vignette effect and saturated colors don’t make the image look good. Get over it and turn off those effects.

If you follow these simple steps, you can not only take better pictures using your smartphone, you can take your photography to the next level.

Article by Samantha Kirk

This is a guest post by Samantha Kirk of mytechhelp.com, a site that offers savings and current information on Remote Tech Support.

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