10 Simple Tips To Improve Your Smartphone Photography

By Vijaykumar

| Published: Wednesday, September 30, 2015, 10:35 [IST]

Smartphones have replaced many gadgets especially it has changed the notion of traditional photography.

These days' smartphones come with high-quality cameras. In fact, smartphone cameras have evolved over the past few years. While smartphones don't take photos like a dedicated digital camera, you never leave home without your mobile device.

Today, smartphone cameras have largely replaced point-and-shoot cameras for casual photo shooting. Even a budget smartphone camera is capable of taking much better shots compared to previous generation devices in the same league.

The question is - are today's smartphones capable of shooting professional-grade photos? Not really...but we can get some terrific shots by tweaking the settings and knowing a few tricks. Take a look at the slider below.

Appropriate Light

One of the biggest problems with smartphone cameras is that they hardly perform well in low light settings. To solve this issue, make sure you take photos under natural light settings.

HDR Mode

Use High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode instead of a flash. These days even a low-end camera phone has this mode. Using the HDR, you will capture a range of tones and colors that often results in far better images.

Don't use Digital Zoom

The Digital zoom actually magnifies the subject of your shots, but does not enhance the quality of the image. Instead, you should always move closer to your subject.

Hold Steady

Always make sure you have a good grip on your smartphone. Try to not move it at all while taking the shot as it may lead to a blurry photo, especially if your camera doesn't have an in-built in image stabilizer.

Use Flash Wisely

Of course, a flash generally helps solve the lighting limitations of smartphone cameras. But make sure you use a flash with utmost care. A flash that's too bright can ruin the image.

Use Camera Modes

Almost every smartphone these days come with camera modes like Auto, HRD, Closeup and more. Some phones have advance camera modes, while others have standard camera settings. Knowing how to use these modes will sharpen your photography skills.

Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a simple and easy trick you can use when composing your photos. Just imagine that the frame is split into three equal sections vertically and horizontally, as pictured. Place your subject along one of the vertical lines, or where a horizontal and a vertical lines intersect.

Camera Apps

Some smartphones come with a great native camera app, but there are dozens of free camera apps available on the Google Play Store that could be seen as an alternative to your smartphone's camera app.