Capturing good photos with your smartphone camera

The days of taking pictures with digital cameras are gone. Having a camera is only sometimes handy or affordable for everyone. Therefore it is no secret how much we depend on our smartphones' camera facilities. To truly harness the potential of your smartphone's camera, you need to understand how to use it properly.

In this article, we will learn how to take perfect pictures with our phones step by step.

Clean the lens

Before you start snapping away, make sure to clean your smartphone's camera lens. Over time, it's common for dust, fingerprints, or smudges to accumulate on the lens. It can significantly affect the quality of your photos. Don't just use anything o rub the lens. Use a microfiber cloth or a lens cleaning solution to gently wipe the lens and ensure a clear view. 

Master the exposure

Understanding exposure is crucial for capturing well-lit and balanced photos. Most smartphone cameras have an exposure control feature that allows you to adjust the brightness of your image. Tap on the screen to focus on your subject, then use the exposure slider to increase or decrease the brightness. Experiment with different exposure settings to find the optimal balance for each shot.

Rule of thirds

One of the fundamental principles of photography is the rule of thirds. Imagine dividing your frame into a 3x3 grid by superimposing two horizontal and two vertical lines. The rule suggests placing your subject along these lines or at their intersections rather than in the centre. This technique adds depth and visual interest to your photos, making them more visually appealing.

Use HDR mode

High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode is a fantastic feature available in many smartphone cameras. HDR combines multiple exposures of the same scene to capture more details in both the shadows and highlights. It's particularly useful in challenging lighting conditions, such as landscapes or backlit subjects. 

Enable HDR mode in your camera settings and let your smartphone create beautifully balanced photos.

Experiment with different angles and perspectives

Don't be afraid to explore different angles and perspectives to add variety and uniqueness to your photos. Instead of shooting from eye level, try crouching down, getting closer to the ground, or even shooting from above. Changing your perspective can completely transform the composition of your photo and give it a fresh, creative touch. 

Take advantage of natural light

Good lighting is the key to capturing stunning photos. Whenever possible, utilize natural light as it tends to be more flattering and produces better colour accuracy. Avoid using the flash unless absolutely necessary because the flash can create harsh shadows and wash out the details.

If shooting indoors, position your subject near a window or a well-lit area to take advantage of the soft, diffused light. 

Edit with care

Editing can enhance the quality of your photos and bring out their full potential. Numerous photo editing apps offer a range of filters, adjustment tools, and effects. However, it's important not to overdo it. 

Keep your edits subtle and natural-looking, aiming to enhance the existing qualities rather than altering the entire image. Remember, a well-composed photo with minimal editing often produces the most striking results. 

Practice and explore

Like any skill, photography requires practice and experimentation. Take every opportunity to explore your smartphone's camera settings, try different shooting techniques, and learn from your results. The more you practice, the better you'll understand your device's capabilities and capture photos that truly stand out.

Your smartphone's camera holds tremendous potential for capturing amazing photos. With these tools in your arsenal, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning images with just a tap of your smartphone's camera.

safrinakabir@iut-dhaka.edu