Smartphone photography tips: better photos with your phone
Your phone can take excellent photos. Simple tips on light, composition, lenses and settings to dramatically improve phone pictures.
The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most people that is a phone. These habits make a big difference.
Clean the lens
Phone lenses collect fingerprints in pockets. Wiping them before shooting is the easiest way to sharper, clearer photos.
Find good light
Shoot near windows indoors and in open shade or golden hour outdoors. Avoid harsh midday sun on faces.
Use the grid
Turn on the grid in camera settings to apply the rule of thirds and keep horizons straight.
Tap to focus and adjust exposure
Tap on the subject, then slide the brightness control down slightly to protect highlights in bright scenes.
Use the right lens
Most phones have ultra-wide, wide and telephoto lenses. Use the telephoto for portraits and the ultra-wide for architecture and landscapes.
Avoid digital zoom
Pinching beyond the optical lenses lowers quality. Walk closer instead.
Shoot in bursts for action
Hold the shutter button for bursts and choose the best frame.
Edit lightly
Straighten, crop and adjust exposure and color in the built-in editor or Lightroom Mobile.
