SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY: TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CAPTURING HIGH-QUALITY AND CREATIVE IMAGES ON THE GO

In the world of photography, the age-old saying "the best camera is the one that's with you" has never rung truer, especially in an era dominated by smartphones. These pocket-sized devices have revolutionised photography, making it more accessible and ubiquitous than ever before. For beginner and intermediate photographers aiming to leverage this tool, understanding how to maximise the potential of a smartphone camera can transform everyday shots into stunning images. This article delves into practical tips and innovative tricks to help you capture high-quality and creative photographs using just your smartphone.

- SANCHIT MISHRA

1. Understand your smartphone camera

The first step in mastering smartphone photography is to understand the capabilities and limitations of your smartphone camera. Most modern smartphones are equipped with advanced features such as multiple lens options, manual settings, and high-resolution sensors. Familiarise yourself with the specifications like aperture size, focal length, ISO range, and whether your phone has optical image stabilization (OIS) or uses electronic stabilization. Understanding these features will help you make informed decisions when capturing images.

2. Mastering composition

• Rule of Thirds: This is a basic principle in photography where you divide the image using two horizontal and two vertical lines. Placing your subject along these lines or at their intersections makes the photo more balanced and engaging.

• Leading Lines: Use natural lines from roads, buildings, or rivers to lead the eye into the main subject of the photograph.

• Framing: Look for natural frames such as windows or branches, and use them to enclose your main subject. This technique not only focusses the viewer’s attention, but also adds depth to the image.

3. Lighting is key 

• Natural light: Whenever possible, utilise natural light. The golden hours, which are the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, provide soft and diffused light which is ideal for photography.

• Avoid Harsh Midday Light: The midday sun can cast harsh shadows and create an undesirable contrast in your photos. If shooting in these conditions, find shaded areas to even out the lighting on your subject.