Cell Phone Photo TipsAs cell phone cameras have steadily improved - sporting higher megapixels and quality lenses, they've become the camera of choice for capturing spur of the moment images. There are a few important things to keep in mind to get high-quality snapshots.
Let there be light
Since the lenses and sensors in most camera phones are smaller than the ones in digital cameras, they can't capture as much light. Make sure your subject is well lit by as much natural light as possible. Shoot with the light behind you or to the side, not facing you.
Related: Tips for Buying the Best Cell Phones
Go Steady
Perhaps the greatest problem with cell phone cameras is their slow shutter speed (made worse in low light). When the shutter speed is slow, holding the camera steady is especially important; otherwise pictures can come out blurry. Do your best to remain motionless or rest your camera on a wall or chair back to steady it.
Get Close
While the zoom feature in cell phone cameras is improving, using digital zoom will degrade the quality of the photo and amply even a tiny bit of unsteadiness.
Forego the Flash
Most camera phones have a flash. This feature can be fantastic for flashlight apps, but in most shooting situations, you're better off avoiding it. The flash brings whatever it lights to the forefront of the photo and can black out or blur anything surrounding it. Only use the flash to light subjects at a distance of 5 feet or less.
Related: How to Shoot Great Night Photos
Review and Repair
To correct blemishes on your photos, try simple editing software. On your phone, download apps like Photoshop Express or PicsArt, or on your computer, try iPiccy, iPhoto or Windows Live Photo Editor.
What tricks do you use to get better cell phone photos? Let me know in the comments!
- by Erik Eibert
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