10 Simple Smartphone Smartphone Photography Tips That'll Help You Take Pictures Like a Pro

Even though digital SLR prices have fallen considerably, but the reality is that not many would like to invest their money in a category that's bound to fade away with time.

Well, there's no doubt that an entry-level DSLR camera with a good lens will easily beat a premium camera-centric smartphone. One thing we need to realize is that your smartphone is always with you, so why carry unnecessary bulk?

Today, smartphone cameras have largely replaced point-&-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.

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Get the appropriate light

One of the biggest problems with mobile phone cameras: they hardly perform well in low light settings. To solve this issue, make sure you take photos under natural light settings. You can shoot images by going near to windows or doors when taking pictures indoors.

Ignore Digital Zoom

While an optical zoom will actually magnify the subject of your shots, it does nothing to enhance the quality of the image. Instead, you should always move closer to your subject.

Hold Steady

Holding your phone steady is rather critical while shooting a picture. 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.

Check the background

Always check the background of the photo. That's an important element when you learn photography.

Follow the 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; then place the horizon along one of the horizontal lines.

Try different camera apps

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

Learn how to use your camera modes

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

Clean your camera lens

Generally, smartphone cameras tend to have lenses exposed. That's why once should clean it from time to time.

Use the Flash with utmost care

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 HDR mode

Instead of a flash, try to use the High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode. 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.