Capturing Professional Images With Your Phone

Shooting stunning photos with your cell phone is easier than you think if you follow a couple of rules. The other day I was out shooting with my professional Canon camera and decided to conduct and experiment. I wanted to see if their was a huge difference between this camera and my phone camera when shooting the same shot. When I got back home and was looking over my shots I noticed there wasn’t much of a difference between my phone photos and the Canon photos. As a matter of fact, in some cases the phone photo was better. I found out that you don’t have to have fancy equipment to shoot a good shot. However, there are simple rules/tips to follow while taking photos with your phone to get professional looking results.

Your phone lives in your pocket, your purse, your backpack, etc. Before you start shooting take the time to clean the lense. Doing so will increase the clarity and quality of your final image. Cleaning your lense the exact same way you’d clean your eye glasses. As an added bonus, keep a micro-fiber cloth with you for the best cleaning results.

Most cell phone cameras come with a 3×3 grid, but you have to activate it. Using this grid will help you align all the elements in your shot. There is a photography trick called the rule of thirds in which you position the subject of your shot in the left, right, upper, or lower third of the frame. This creates a different look for your image and allows you to highlight the surrounding areas rather than having your subject in the middle of the frame.

Blurry images are the worst. You can eliminate the chance of this happening by using your phone just like you would with a point and shoot camera. Hold the phone with both hands and use the side buttons to take the shot. Holding the phone with both hands creates a more steady platform and will help you focus.

Take advantage of the limited amount of space that you do have and fill the entire frame. Walk closer to your subject to make sure your getting all the details you want to showcase in the final image. Use the zoom feature as your last option. If you can zoom all the way out and walk closer this will increase the chances of a more crisp and clear outcome.

Leading Lines refers to a technique of composition where the viewer of your photos attention is drawn to the lines that lead to the main subject of the image. A leading line paves an easy path for the eye to follow through different elements of a photo.

The Rule Of Odds states that images are more visually appealing when there is an odd number of subjects. For example, if you are going to place more than one person in an image don’t use 2, use 3 or 5 or 7.

Symmetry refers to a line that splits an object in half and, if both sides of the object are an exact mirror image of each other, then this object is said to be symmetrical. The human eye and brain love symmetrical images and are said to be more attractive. Look to create symmetry in your images and always keep and eye out for mirrored objects.

You don’t have to be professional photographer or have expensive equipment to capture a great photo. Use these tips to aid you in taking great photos with your cell phone:

• Clean your lense
• Active your 3×3 gride & follow the rule of thirds
• Hold your phone with both hands
• Fill the frame
• Use leading lines
• Follow the rule of odds
• Look for symmetry in your shot

Of course, practice makes perfect. Take the time in your photos and remember these simple rules to create the perfect memory.

Thanks for reading and happy shooting.

DZM