Pro Level Tips for Better Photos from Your Phone

So, you've got your camera, and are happily clicking away...but your photos still lack that pop, that wow, that 'je ne sais pas'? Don't worry, we've all been there! Even us classically trained and educated photographers started not knowing an f stop from crack in the ground. Well I've got some pro-tips (not complicated) to help you upgrade your pics from "oh, that's nice" to OMG!". You know, that secret sauce that everyone and their grandma seems to be talking about.

You can have better photos NOW without doing anything technical!!

1. Lighting is Key

Natural light is always your best friend, and the most beautiful way to photograph. Bonus, if you can get natural light in a natural environment. For outdoor places, you'll get the best light in the early morning or early evening. A bright, harsh sun will make dark, harsh shadows which, we usually try to avoid. It tends to make all the things we don't like more apparent.

If you're inside and have harsh artificial light on, turn it off, right now. They make gross photos, seriously! Now find a source of natural light and use it often. Even just a window, any old window, or a patio door can give beautiful natural light at the right

2. Find Your Focus

Find your subject's best feature and focus on it, make it sharp (and if you're feeling artsy blur the background. If your subject is a person the focus is usually the face, more specifically the eyes. Have your camera focus on that, whether it's a tap focus or auto and then make it razor sharp...make it pop right off the photo.

3. Explore Different Angles

Don’t just shoot from eye level. That's what literally everyone else is doing. They stand up and they point their camera towards whatever they're taking a photo of. Sorry everyone, but that's boring.

Did you know that most fashion photography is done at a low viewpoint with a slanted angle. They are never just standing there. They are on the ground pointing up or crawling on the floor. You’ll be surprised how a simple change in perspective can create a stunning shot.

4. Don't Zoom

I know, we all use it...it's so easy. But the truth is zooming on your phone crazy reduces the image quality of your photo. Take that in. Using your digital zoom reduces the image quality of your photo. This isn't a "might" type of scenario, it will make your photo quality worse. So, what's the alternative? Walk closer. Seriously, just physically move closer to your subject. Now, sometimes you can't and you will still use your zoom, like when my kid is playing hockey I'm not going to get and go stand on the ice in the middle of the rink with twelve 15 year olds rushing by me on skates (and they're all bigger than me I'm only 5'2"), I'm using the zoom from a safe distance. But if you can, walk closer.

5. Stabilize Your Device

Not all phones have optical stabilization. If yours doesn't here are some things you can do: hold your phone with both hands and lean on a stable surface, or use a tripod. This is especially important when the scene will be dark with limited light.

6. Clean Your Lens

A quick wipe with your shirt can remove smudges that dull your photos. Of course if you have a lens cleaner (even for glasses) that will work much better), you have no idea how many time I've taken that amazing photo only to realize while editing, that their was dirt, or water mark. Just take 2 seconds to wipe it, a crystal clear lenses equal crystal clear images!

7. Capture Candid Moments

Staged photos can feel forced (and in turn make them look forced). Look for those genuine, spontaneous moments—they’re often the most memorable! It doesn't mean you need to have you're camera on ALL THE TIME. But it is important to NOT start a photo session if you are already feeling rushed. Having the time to make sure everyone is relaxed will make a world of difference for your photos.

8. Take as Many Photos as You Can

The more you shoot, the better you become! So snap away and experiment. Check out your phone settings, they are amazing, and some are just truly out of this word. Your phone has the potential to capture amazing memories—make the most of it!

Talk soon!