If you’re as old as I am, then you’ll understand when I say that when cell phones first started including cameras, I was skeptical. Why in the world would I need a camera on my cell phone? (of course, the other question that I asked was, “Why can’t I just have a PHONE?! I don’t need all this other stuff!” but that’s really giving away my age).
But all these years later, and I can’t imagine ever having doubted the emerging technology of cell phones, and I am amazed at how the quality of cellphone camera images continues to improve! In fact, for taking daily pictures of friends and family (or even yourself – hello, portrait mode, make me look 30 years younger), or vacation pictures, your cell phone camera is way, WAY more than adequate.
Here are some tips, tricks and tools to help you take great pictures with your cell phone.
· Avoid camera shake. As with any camera, whether your cell phone or your big, fancy DSLR, or even your expensive new mirrorless camera, it’s imperative that you hold your camera still when taking pictures. To avoid camera shake, use both hands on your cell phone, and keep your elbows in tight against your body.
· Avoid backlighting. In order to avoid silhouettes, you’ll want to position people so their faces are lit. If there is a bright light source behind them (for example, the sun), your cell phone camera will automatically adjust for that bright exposure, resulting in a silhouette of your subject. (Silhouettes are cool…unless you don’t want them.) In this case, you’ll want to use your flash to fill in the light on your subject.
· Mix up your perspective. Try different angles. Stand on a chair or a ladder. Lie down on the ground. Mix things up for interesting perspectives.
· Landscape mode (aka, holding your camera sideways) is better for scenery shots (like taking a picture of the mountains when you’re traveling out west), and large groups of people.
· Tap your screen. This will tell your cell phone camera exactly where you want it to focus AND expose for the best quality picture.
· Look behind your subject. While that may be a very pretty tree that they’re standing in front of, or an amazing building or statue, be sure that your subject doesn’t appear to have things growing out of his/her head.
· Zoom with your feet. Your cell phone camera is GOOD. Really, really good. But when you zoom in using a cell phone camera, you’re reducing the picture resolution. So move closer to zoom to get the best quality picture.
· Look for good lighting. Saving the best for last: perhaps the most important ingredient in any good picture is good lighting. If you’ve ever tried to take a picture of someone facing into the sun, you’ll understand the word “squinties.” You’ll also probably see your own shadow, standing there with your cell phone camera, all over the front of your subjects.
Try to position your subject in the shade, but have them facing the light source. So, if they’re standing in the shadow of a tree or a building, have them stand on the EDGE of the shade (look at the ground to find this spot) so they get some great natural light on their faces and lights in their eyes. Here's a diagram I've created that explains "open shade."
Your structure can be a building, a fence, even a tree.
Speaking of the shade of a tree, be cautious of “dappled light” coming through the tree branches.
· Sports. As advanced as cell phone cameras are, I don't have any good tips for taking really good cell phone pictures of fast-moving sports (like basketball and volleyball) inside a gym, because your camera just isn't designed for that type of photography. Outdoor daylight sports (soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse) may result in slightly better pictures, but it's impossible to get close enough to the action (without the umpires and refs getting upset) to really get consistently good pictures. In these case, I'd suggest dragging out your "real" camera with a good, fast lens.
· Sometimes, it's best to hire a pro. Cell phone cameras are amazing. And with practice, you can definitely get some great shots. But when you’re wanting to capture portraits of your family that are suitable for framing, portraits that are expertly exposed and beautifully posed, I hope you’ll reach out.
I'm currently making plans for some Spring Family Mini Sessions in April! I hope you'll take advantage of these special sessions to get some updated pictures of your family (or even just your kids).
I can't wait to see you smile!
~Lisa
Lisa Pallardy Photography
Pekin Family and Senior Portrait Photographer
Serving Pekin, Peoria, and Central Illinois
309-696-1025
Comments