Unlock Your Inner Photographer: Simple Tricks for Amazing Phone Photos! - Diana Jex, Your Santa Rosa Family Photographer

Diana Jex
Jul 20
4 min read

Ever wonder how some people take those absolutely stunning photos with just their phone? The good news is, you don't need fancy gear or a photography degree! With a few simple tips and a bit of practice, you can dramatically improve your phone photos, especially when capturing the people and moments you love.

Let's dive into some easy ways to elevate your mobile photography!

1. Light is Your Best Friend (and Sometimes Your Worst Enemy!)

This is perhaps the most important secret to great photos. Light can make or break a shot, especially when you're photographing people.

Avoid the Midday Glare (High Noon): When the sun is directly overhead (usually between 11 AM and 3 PM), it casts harsh shadows on faces. Think raccoons eyes, strong lines, and blown-out highlights. It's not the most flattering light for people! If you have to shoot at this time, try to find some open shade (like under a tree or an awning) to soften the light.
Beware of Direct, Harsh Light: While the golden hour is direct light (more on that below!), direct light at other times of day can be very strong and create similar issues to high noon. It can lead to overexposed areas and deep shadows, making your subjects look less natural. Always try to position your subject so the light is hitting them evenly, or look for diffused light.
Embrace the Golden Hour: This is every photographer's favorite time of day for a reason! The "golden hour" occurs shortly after sunrise and just before sunset. The sun is lower in the sky, casting a warm, soft, and flattering glow. It makes skin tones look beautiful and creates a magical atmosphere. This is when you want to plan your outdoor portraits!
Look for Open Shade: When the golden hour isn't an option, or if the sun is just too bright, find "open shade." This is an area where your subject is shaded from direct sunlight, but there's still plenty of light coming from above or the side (like next to a building, under a large tree, or an awning). This provides soft, even, and flattering light without harsh shadows.

2. Get Creative with Angles!

Don't just stand there! Moving your phone around can completely change the feel and impact of your photo.

Shoot from Below (Low Angle): This can make your subject look taller, more powerful, or even heroic. It's great for capturing kids and making them seem larger than life! Be mindful of what's in the background, as a low angle can often include more sky.
Shoot from Above (High Angle): This angle can make your subject look smaller, more vulnerable, or add a cute, whimsical feel (especially for babies or pets!). It's also great for minimizing backgrounds and emphasizing features like big eyes.
Eye Level is Always a Winner: For natural, engaging portraits, especially of children, get down to their eye level. This creates a sense of connection and makes the viewer feel like they're right there with your subject.

Play with Perspectives: Don't be afraid to experiment! Try shooting through objects (like leaves or fences) for a layered look, or use leading lines in the environment (like a path or fence) to draw the viewer's eye to your subject.

3. Smart Tools Built Right into Your Phone Camera

Your phone's camera app isn't just a simple button; it has powerful tools to help you compose better shots!

The Rule of Thirds Grid: This is one of the most fundamental composition guidelines. Imagine a tic-tac-toe board laid over your camera screen. The "Rule of Thirds" suggests placing your subject or points of interest along these lines or, even better, at their intersections. This creates more balanced and dynamic photos than simply putting your subject dead center. Most phone cameras have an option to turn this grid on in their settings.
- How to Turn On (General Steps): Go to your phone's "Settings" app, find "Camera," and look for "Grid" or "Composition Grid."
Exposure Control (Brightness): Sometimes your phone struggles with really bright or really dark scenes. You can often tap on the screen where you want to focus, and then a small sun icon or slider will appear. Drag it up or down to manually adjust the brightness of your shot. This is super helpful when your photo looks too dark or too bright.
Focus Lock: Ever tap on your subject, but then move your phone slightly and the focus shifts? Most phones allow you to "lock" the focus. Tap and hold your finger on your subject's face (or whatever you want sharp). You'll usually see an "AE/AF Lock" (Auto Exposure/Auto Focus Lock) message appear. This means your phone will keep that area sharp, even if you re-compose slightly.
Portrait Mode (If Available): Many newer phones have a "Portrait Mode" (sometimes called "Live Focus" or similar). This uses software to blur the background (creating "bokeh") while keeping your subject sharp. It's fantastic for making your subject pop and giving your photos a professional look. Experiment with it!

The best way to improve is to simply keep shooting! Experiment with these tips, look for interesting light, try new angles, and don't be afraid to play around with the settings on your phone. You'll be amazed at the beautiful moments you can capture with just the device in your pocket.

Happy snapping!