5 Tips to Up Your Mobile Photography Game!
We’re all familiar with those summer family road trips where every stop took twice as long, while dad tried to figure out how to even turn on his gigantic digital camera. He’d fumble with the buttons trying to get the perfect pre-programmed setting before the sun went down. The Kids would whine in impatience while mom dug around in her 50-gallon purse for snacks. You get the picture (pun intended.) Thankfully long gone are the days of using devices that are much too complicated for us regular Joes. Instead, cameras on mobile devices have become so sophisticated you can capture a moment with the push of a two-dimensional button. However, while taking a photo on a mobile device may be simple, by implementing the following tips, you can create an image so magnificent it would fool even the most well-seasoned photographers.
The “Grid”
It’s no longer cool to stay off the grid. At least when it comes to photography. You may be familiar with a term called The Rule of Thirds. Essentially this rule recommends the subject take up either the left or right third of your picture, leaving more space empty. This makes for a more exciting image. Most mobile devices have a grid overlay that will display on your screen to help you line up your subject exactly. It’s also useful for perfectly centering your subject because, hey, I’m a rule breaker.
2. Don’t use Digital Zoom
These feet were made for walking… and they should if you want to get a closer image of your subject. Mobile phone cameras have come a long way in their “zoom” capabilities, however it’s not a true zoom with moving glass the way it is with a digital camera. With mobile zoom, you risk your image looking blurry or over-pixelated. Unless you’re trying to capture a lion, it’s best if you get in close proximity with your subject.
3. Seek the Golden Hour
If you’re trying to get a great photo on the go, chances are you’re not going to have a bunch of fancy schmancy lighting equipment with you. Thankfully nature’s got your back with something photographers have dubbed the Golden Hour. The Golden Hour takes place the last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise. Taking photos in this light is thought to blur imperfections and make people look more youthful. If you don’t have time for the Golden Hour, try happy hour, it might change your perspective.
4. Work Your Angles
Most things in life get meaning through context and perspective, and your photos are no different. Try experimenting with placing different objects in front of and behind your subject to change your focal point. You can also create dimensions in your photos through different positions and angles. What happens if you shoot from laying down on the ground or up on a ladder to get that birds-eye view? If you capture the moment unconventionally, the viewer gets to see the world a little differently, too.
5. Use Editing Tools
I know this sounds like cheating a little bit, but hear me out. Even the most perfectly executed photos will have elements out of your control. Editing your photos can also be intentional, not just a way to cover an imperfection. Sometimes an image is incredible organically, but by layering a filter or distorting an object, you can change the entire mood of a photo. This can come in handy if you’re using your photo for any branding purpose.
Practice makes progress, and you won’t get any better if you don’t get out there and start taking photos! I hope the next time you pull out your phone to capture that delicious meal or your pet doing something cute or your friend perfectly executing the next online challenge, you’ll think of this advice. If all else fails, take as many pictures as possible; one of them is bound to turn out ok. You wouldn’t be the first person in the world to make a happy accident.