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By Vanessa Mallory Kotz
These days, the average person takes most of their family photos and travel snapshots with their phone. It’s quick, accessible and a device they must carry anyway. Whether you’ve got the latest iPhone or an older Android, we’ve rounded up great tips to make the best of your phone’s technology and create lasting memories.
1. Find your light source.
All photography is about lighting, no matter what kind of camera you use, including a mobile device. Avoid using a flash whenever possible, sticking to natural or lamplight. Pay attention to how the light hits your subject. Is it a bright overhead kitchen light? That could mean unappealing shadows on the face if it’s a portrait and loss of details. Try a couple of different angles when positioning yourself and your subject to catch just the right glow.
2. Be ready.
Convenience is the best part of mobile photography. If you’re on a walk, attending an event, or just hanging out with people you love, try putting your phone on airplane mode and have the camera app open. It means less distractions from enjoying the moment, so you’ll be ready to capture the perfect shot. Currently “Wonder Woman 1984” is filming in D.C. If Gal Gadot or Chris Pine pops up at my favorite happy hour spot, you can bet, I’ll be ready (and sneaky – I wouldn’t want to make her mad).
3. Don’t use zoom.
If you want to get closer to your subject (except maybe a celebrity – give them space – see above), walk closer. The zoom feature on a mobile device only shows you a closer view. To keep maximum resolution in your photos, position yourself the best you can. This gives you more freedom when editing the photo later by cropping.
4. Take lots of photos.
Even the pros don’t take the perfect shot in one go. Do you have a “friend” who takes a long time on their selfie prep, and then takes a ton of duck-face pictures to get the right one? It’s the same with the wild bunny you see in your garden or your bestie when out dancing with friends. Get close. Then pull back for context. Make them laugh. Enjoy yourself and enjoy the moment, not just for the sake of capturing it to make your ex jealous on your ‘gram – that’s just a bonus.
5. Clean your lens.
Whether riding around in your back pocket with lint and an old gum wrapper or free falling in a Mary Poppins-like bag with lipstick, tissues and half a granola bar, your mobile lens takes a little abuse. Make sure it’s clean and clear before you start your next photo session.
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