If there is something that has revolutionized the world of photography, it is having incorporated a camera to the object that we always carry with us. Yes, we are talking about our mobile phone. The first commercial cameras appeared on a phone in 2002. Those devices did not provide any quality, but the seed was laid for what would come a few years later.
Currently, the optics of photography allows taking shots of undoubted quality. Obviously, you will never be able to compare a compact camera photograph to that produced by a mobile phone. But there is no doubt that it is a product with more than enough performance for most users. Even when recording on video, the vast majority of phones already have 4K resolution.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a large mobile phone to take attention-grabbing photos. Simply, it is enough to follow these simple tips when putting our skill into practice.
The first step, cleaning
This is one of those we overlook. We must clean the lens of the camera of our mobile phone. It is usually very common for it to be dirty, since we are constantly manipulating the phone. It will be enough to pass a handkerchief over it or any piece of fabric, and if what we want is to do is a selfie, we will have to rub more insistently. The front camera is usually in contact with the skin when we talk on the phone and a lot of dirt sticks to it. Therefore, do not forget to carry out this cleaning process, it is a shame to spoil a good shot and a blur or stain appears.
Be very attentive to the light
Brightness is another element that must be controlled whenever we shoot. There is nothing better than natural light when it comes to taking good photos. In any case, try to take advantage of that appetizing tonality that exists at certain times, such as when the sun has already gone down and it is close to sunset. If we do not have natural light, remember that artificial light is also a good resource , since it allows us to play with lights and shadows to create interesting effects. In addition, they will serve as a source of illumination in case it is scarce. This will lead us to always avoid the use of flash, since it is very difficult for a photo to come out well if we use it.
If we are in a dark environment, it is always interesting to look for a light source before using the flash . From an illuminated shop window, to a lamppost or a lamp. So what can I use the flash for? Very simple, if we are in low light conditions this can be used as a flashlight, to try to fill the room with light. If we are with more people and there is little lighting, ask someone to activate the flashlight mode to get better conditions.
Do not abuse the zoom
This item has been greatly improved in mobile phone cameras. However, the abuse of digital zoom ends up resulting in images being distorted and grainy. If you intend to photograph an object that is far away, the best zoom you can apply is always that of your legs. That is, get closer to the object you want to capture to achieve a better quality. Zoom to be applied with eyedropper.
Activate the grid
All mobile devices have the option to activate the grid on the screen. Thanks to it, it will be much easier for you to take pictures and for them to appear fully framed. What it does is divide the screen into nine squares, in order to apply the well-known rule of thirds. You will find the option to activate the grid in the camera settings of your mobile phone, we recommend that you do it because it helps a lot and it is not an invasive option when shooting.
The best and most economical investment
There are many accessories that you can buy to improve the quality of your photographs. Some are of little use, like those lenses that are attached to the lens and that promise true wonders, such as improved zoom or wide-angle effects. Only value them if you want to experiment, because the results on a day-to-day basis are not very good either.
However, it is very convenient that you get a small hand-held tripod. They have a very low price and occupy very little size, they are ideal when taking group photographs or shots with a long exposure. Yes, there are photography applications that allow you to manually vary all the elements of your camera. The tripod is one of those accessories that will always have a place in your photographer kit.
Inspiration is outside
It doesn’t matter if you live in the middle of the country or in a big city. Both scenarios are always motivating and provide plenty of reasons for taking pictures. Try to escape the conventions and look for different approaches. There is no doubt that you learn to photograph well by shooting. As you do so, the quality and value of your snapshots will improve.
Looking at other people’s work is always a good learning point. In social networks you have interesting profiles of photographers who use their mobile phone to show us their work and see what they are capable of achieving. They are always a great source of inspiration. So now you know, you have an excellent resource in hand and you have to use it . The great advantage of having a quality camera always available is that it will allow us to capture the essence and the small details of our life.
