Gadget Weekly
Join Namerah Saud Fatmi as she explores the cool, weird, and sometimes downright weird world of smartphone accessories, gadgets, and other nerdy toys.
We no longer need expensive accessories or specialized cameras to capture stunning footage of the world we see. Even the simplest, most mundane things can become breathtaking if photographed correctly.
In the past, mobile photographers were ridiculed, and understandably so. Technology has not yet reached a point where built-in lenses in mobile phones dare to compete with professional cameras.
However, rapid advances in smartphone photography have made it possible for the average person to take some delightful photos. Some of the best Android flagship phones deliver professional-looking images with ease. Powerful editing tools provide the finishing touch. Even a cheap phone can take incredibly good photos – you just need to know the right angles.
Believe it or not, I use my phone to view almost every review image. If you want to up your mobile photography game, let me share some simple tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years. In the interest of simplicity and ease of use, this guide avoids jargon and long, complex words such as bifocal length or aperture. You don’t even need to use pro mode, just follow some of these tips and see where it takes you.
Lighting is everything
This is fairly obvious, but it’s the first rule of mobile photography. Lighting conditions can make or break your photo. Ideally, you want to capture images during the day when there is lots of natural light (golden sunlight). This makes a world of difference and makes getting good shots so easy.
Make sure the light source is above or in front of your subject. You don’t want the light to be behind your subject as this will cast ugly shadows that will ruin the final image. This is why night photography is trickier than morning or afternoon photography, because the sun spreads its light evenly across the landscape, and nighttime has no natural light sources other than the moon and artificial lights.
At night or in low-light conditions, a flash isn’t always possible. Try to choose a flash that is always on to get a stable light source. This can usually be done by tapping twice on the flash option in the camera app. Better yet, invest in a powerful ring light that spreads light evenly in the direction you want. I prefer to use lights with customizable warmth so I know what temperature of white light works best for my low-light shots.
Everything looks good from the right angle
Just pointing and shooting isn’t enough; you need to shoot from the right angle to get a truly stunning photo. Don’t just take one or a few photos. Try different positions and angles. If you’re not satisfied, change the subject. I also find it helpful to move the phone around to find the right angle.
Choose a good focal point based on what you like or want to highlight, then tilt your phone and move it high or low to find the right spot. You never know which angle will give you the perfect still effect!
The power of aspect ratio and orientation
When you pull out your phone and prepare to take a photo, think about the aspect ratio and orientation that will work best for the situation. Landscape images are more artistic and better suited to natural elements, while people images tend to look better in portrait images.
Choosing an aspect ratio can be more challenging. Typically, the lens used changes automatically based on the selected aspect ratio. So if you select the widescreen 16:9 ratio, the wide-angle lens will automatically be used. Depending on the resolution of your phone’s camera, you may get better or worse results.
In situations where your device has a very low-resolution lens, it’s often wiser to take the photo with the best lens available and then crop it to your desired aspect ratio. For example, a 2MP macro lens on a cheap mid-range phone will definitely give you crap results. Instead, use your main camera to get as close to your subject as possible and then crop it out. I can guarantee you will be more satisfied with the results.
golden ratio and rule of thirds
A symmetrical photo sounds great, but in fact, it’s the asymmetry of the scene that gives it such stunning beauty. Placing your subject right in the center doesn’t look as good as a strategic, asymmetrical position. This is the basic idea behind the so-called golden ratio in photography.
If you’re an amateur photographer, you may or may not be familiar with the golden ratio. I won’t explain to you in depth the Fibonacci sequence and the origins of ratios. This is why Google exists. What you need to know is that the spiral framework pictured below depicts the Golden Ratio. According to the golden ratio, your subject should be in the center of the spiral for best results.
When taking photos with your phone, how do you ensure your subject is in the ideal position? It’s easy, just enable the grid option in the camera app. In some phones, like the OnePlus 12, you can change the grid shape to the golden ratio in the camera app’s settings.
Just because the Golden Ratio exists, it doesn’t strictly mean that you should only stick to a certain point of the frame. This is where the rule of thirds comes into play. If you divide the image into nine equal-sized parts, the ideal position of the subject should be somewhere in the thirds position. You can change the exact position depending on the shot you have.
Again, this is easier to achieve using a grid. Just enable the option from the camera app and select the standard option that divides the viewfinder into nine equal sections. Adjust your theme accordingly and voila! You have your photos.
Don’t underestimate stability and level
A steady hand takes a million times better photos than a shaky, tilted hand. You want your shot to be perfectly horizontal or vertical relative to the ground. There are several techniques for this. Any cheap selfie stick or stand will ensure stability. You can also use your phone’s handle to minimize shaking.
Another good idea is to enable a horizontal gradienter in the camera app. You’ll usually see a line in the center of your camera’s viewfinder, as well as an angle. Sometimes, it might be described as a plus sign. The goal is to have a perfectly flat line and zero degrees of tilt, meaning your camera is perfectly level.
Bright contrasting colors and color theory
This mobile photography technique often works with inanimate objects, such as food and non-living things. However, it teaches important lessons about color and contrast that you can definitely apply across the board when taking photos.
Let’s say the subject is a dark, dull object that lacks any charm or brightness. You can use contrasting colors to add interest. An example would be a black phone as your theme. Try using color theory as a guide and use brightly colored backgrounds. Opposites attract, so choose a color that is opposite to your subject’s color on the color wheel.
If you’re not sure about complementary colors, Canva offers a free color theory tool on its platform. Simply go to the color wheel section on the Canva website or app, enter your colors, and select complementary options. The tool will give you the correct shades to choose from. You can even use Canva color tools to create graphics and color palettes for your photography projects.
Want to see the magic of color theory firsthand? Check out these awesome examples, courtesy of Android Central photographer Apoorva Bhardwaj.
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Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with other factors, such as texture and pattern. Inspiration is everywhere. You just need to know how to channel it and use the right medium in photography. Make your surroundings work in your favor.
I hope these tips and tricks give you the right tools and help you achieve impressive results with mobile photography. Once you’re satisfied with your skill level, you can start looking for matching accessories to take things to another level. Remember, the most important thing is to be creative and have fun!