Strong visuals are proven to increase online engagement and, luckily, smartphones come equipped with cameras capable of taking quality photos and videos. There are several tricks to make a splash with your smartphone photography.
Setting the right quality
In the settings menu on iPhones, you can adjust the quality of photos, videos, and slo-mo recordings. Simply open your Settings app, then go to Photos & Camera where you can adjust these settings. The right quality depends on your intention and storage capacity. If your pictures are going to be used as banners or as print-outs, then higher quality is better. If you are posting the images on social media, you can opt for a bit lower quality to save storage space and load time. You can adjust other settings such as the grid, HDR, and automatic uploads.
Grid
Another important feature is the grid. When enabled, the grid appears when using the camera. This setting allows you to frame photos better and use the rule of thirds. If you’re a beginner, this setting will help you take better photos.
HDR and Live Photos High Dynamic Range (HDR) enables a multiple exposure shot. Basically it combines three separate exposures into one photo to provide better quality. Live Photos are a cool iPhone feature. When activated, this feature records more than just the still photo making a GIF-like visual. There are app alternatives for Live Photos too.
On-the-go editing
Some phones come with editing software already installed and some social media apps even have their own editing capabilities. You can further improve your images by installing an app dedicated to editing. One of my favorites is PS Express because it syncs with my Adobe Creative Cloud. Other mobile editing apps exist too, such as Flickr, Darkroom, Repix, and more.
General Tips
Decent photography is all about lighting, framing, and simplicity. If lighting is poor, don’t just turn on flash and expect to have a good photo. Use natural light or move to a place with better light if possible. If you need a flash, use another light source such as a flashlight to angle the light or try different angles. A movement up or down, left or right can make a picture’s framing better (remember to use the grid for help). Don’t try too much. Simplicity can make a more stand-out photo than an overly complicated image.
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