{"id":119438,"date":"2018-11-26T13:49:14","date_gmt":"2018-11-26T21:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=119438"},"modified":"2018-11-26T13:50:45","modified_gmt":"2018-11-26T21:50:45","slug":"8-simple-tips-to-take-better-photos-on-your-phone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/26\/8-simple-tips-to-take-better-photos-on-your-phone\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Simple Tips to Take Better Photos on Your Phone"},"content":{"rendered":"

In some ways, the phone is the ultimate camera. Some tips to make better photos on your phone:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. Use the flash<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I recommend using the flash on your phone. It will add contrast and visual impact and interest to your photos.<\/p>\n

Tip: Photograph surfaces that will make interesting reflections. For example, shooting shiny surfaces with the flash (inside a toaster):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

2. Use Google Photos or VSCO to process your pictures<\/h2>\n
\"\"
Processing pictures with Google Photos app<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I’m a big fan of the “Vista” monochrome filter in Google Photos. Experiment with Google Photos filters, which work very well.<\/p>\n

Another option: VSCO mobile app. For color I love their A6 preset<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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Processed with VSCO with a6 preset <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Nature\" <\/a> <\/div>
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Processed with VSCO with a6 preset <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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Processed with VSCO with a6 preset <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"San <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

3. Keep it simple<\/h2>\n
\"Eyes <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Tetris <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Moon <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Shot <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Abstract\" <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

The best way to make better photos on your phone:<\/p>\n

\n Keep it super simple.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This means, focus on simple shapes, shadows, or textures<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To simplify your photos, shoot closer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

4. Lower your exposure compensation<\/h2>\n
\"Cindy
Shot at -1 exposure compensation on Samsung smartphone camera<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On Android or iPhone, lower your exposure when shooting in bright situations. Generally speaking, the camera over-exposes scenes (which means, the photos look too bright).<\/p>\n

Compensate this by lowering the exposure compensation (darkening your photos).<\/p>\n

Do this by tapping the screen, then dragging the exposure compensation downwards:<\/p>\n

\"\"
Lowering exposure compensation on Google Pixel on Android<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Shoot anywhere and everywhere<\/h2>\n
\"\"
Photograph at Golds Gym, while I was working out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best photo opportunities are in the least exotic places.<\/p>\n

For example, shoot during your morning commute. Shoot during your lunch break. Photograph around your home. Photograph when you’re out eating.<\/p>\n

\"San
Photograph at a parking lot in Starbucks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A tip:<\/p>\n

\n Instead of checking your email or social media when you’re bored, pause, look around and ask yourself: “Are there any interesting scenes I can photograph around myself?”\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

6. Experiment with how you process your photos<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Aesthetics are all subjective in photography. Have fun with presets and other image processing tools.<\/p>\n

For example I like the VSCO Distoria filter. It helps me better visualize my compositions:<\/p>\n

\"Processed <\/a>
Processed with VSCO with a6 preset <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Processed <\/a>
Processed with VSCO with d1 preset <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Cindy <\/a>
Shot at -1 exposure compensation on Samsung smartphone camera <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Processed <\/a>
Processed with VSCO with d1 preset <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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\"Processed <\/a>
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\"vsco\" <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Processed <\/a>
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\"Processed <\/a>
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\"eric <\/a> <\/div>
\"eric <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Screenshot_20180903-183643_VSCO\" <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Processed <\/a>
Processed with VSCO with a6 preset <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Processed <\/a>
Processed with VSCO with d2 preset <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Processed <\/a>
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7. Walk around the block with your phone to take pictures<\/h2>\n
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Processed with VSCO with a6 preset <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"silhouette <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

If you’re feeling stressed or cooped up at home or the office, use this opportunity to walk around the block, and just shoot photos on your phone!<\/p>\n

8. The phone is legitimate as a camera<\/h2>\n
\"Dots
Shot on Samsung phone with monochrome preset<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you shoot photos you like, that is enough.<\/p>\n

Don’t worry what others think of your pictures.<\/p>\n

The truth:<\/p>\n

\n If people know you shot a certain photo on a phone, they won’t take it as seriously if you shot it on film, or a more expensive camera.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

That is fine. Shoot photos to please yourself!<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

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Treat your phone like a (small) camera pistol. In action movies, the heroes (John Wick) always have a small pistol close at hand. And it is usually their most beloved tool.<\/p>\n

\"tricycle\"<\/p>\n

How many photo opportunities have you missed because you didn’t have your “real” (big) camera on you? Just shoot more with your phone if you like to!<\/p>\n

\"Cindy<\/p>\n

Never stop exploring the world and stop shooting. Photography is the ultimate video game, and “open world” adventure.<\/p>\n

\"Garden
Processed with VSCO with a6 preset<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Never stop shooting, stay light, and shoot on!<\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

Learn Mobile<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. STREET NOTES: Mobile Edition<\/a> <\/li>\n
  2. MASTERS: Mobile Edition<\/a> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    See all Mobile Products in HAPTIC SHOP ><\/a><\/p>\n

    \n

    Phone Photography<\/h1>\n
    \"\"
    Processed with VSCO with a6 preset. Eric kim Selfie Kyoto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    The best camera is a phone:<\/p>\n