Phone Photos in Focus

Fully in the smartphone era, we all have a camera in our pockets at all times. Taking dozens of photos in an instant has become pretty normal, but, let’s be real, sometimes those twelve photos aren’t really good. 

These are my top, simple tips for capturing the world around you through your phone’s lens. Take just a moment to think through each of these, and your photos will pop a bit more. I fully acknowledge that sometimes there’s a toddler on the move or you’re whale watching, so taking a moment would mean losing that moment. And when you can take that moment, try these out. The more you shoot with these tips in mind, the more comfortable you’ll become. 

Consider these as guidelines; photography is an art, so don’t be afraid to break the rules and develop your own unique style.

Clean Your Lens

Our cell phones have impressive camera capabilities these days, but none of those features matter if your lenses are smudged. 

Use a microfiber or lens cloth – if you wear glasses, that cloth works great – to gently wipe away any dirt, fingerprints, pocket lint, etc. from all of your phone camera lenses, front and back.

Move Your Body

Move your body or phone to shift the scene.

• Go High: Raise your arm to get the shot from above.
• Get Low: Squat down or put your phone directly on the ground.
• Walk: Move a few steps left or right, or forward or backward.
• Zoom: Digital zoom degrades image quality. Avoid it if possible. Move closer or crop later.

Leading Lines

Use lines to draw the viewer’s eye into your photo. Roads, buildings, or even a row of trees can serve as leading lines. Composition is how you arrange elements within your frame.

• Framing: Use elements within the scene to frame your subject, like an archway or tree braches.
• Symmetry: Symmetrical scenes or repeating patterns can create appealing images.
• Don’t Be Misled: Notice any “mis”leading lines, like wires or flagpoles, that may distract from the main subject.
• Rule of Thirds: Imagine dividing your screen into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place key elements along these lines or at their intersections. You can turn on a grid in most phone settings these days.

Find the Light

Photography literally means “drawing with light” so be aware of the direction, color, and quality of the light – these impact the mood and quality of your photos.

Outdoors:

• Overcast Days: Cloudy days provide soft, even lighting. Rainy days make for interesting lighting and reflections from water.
• Blue Hour: The hour before sunrise and after sunset casts a blue hue on your subjects (Note: This post’s photo was taken during Blue Hour).
• Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise and before sunset offers warm, soft, flattering light.
• Direct Sunlight: Not ideal, as it causes harsh shadows and blown-out highlights. Find shade, filtered light, or light bounced from other surfaces.

Indoors:

• Natural Light: Position your subject near a window, if it’s day time.
• Artificial Light: Reading lamps and flashlights make for interesting effects. Overhead lighting is often unflattering. Play with dramatic effects and high contrast. Generally avoid mixing different color temperatures, unless that’s the look you’re going for!

I am an award winning photographer, multi-passionate visual storyteller, and nomad-at-heart who loves Chicago as my home base. A photographer since 2nd grade, I love helping others learn photography, using the tool we already have with us all the time – our phones! 

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Content provided by Women Belong member  Susan B. Clark