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You don’t need to make photography complicated. The best pictures are often the simplest, and you can start taking your smartphone photography more seriously by snapping these simple subjects.
Food is one of the best places to start when you want to snap better smartphone photos. In fact, I take most of the pictures for my travel blog with my smartphone instead of my camera. Composition is essential; photographing from above and the side are two of the best angles for food.
Lighting is also a fundamental part of taking better food photos on your smartphone. I really like capturing shots in soft autumn or winter light when outdoors, and I’ve also enjoyed good results using artificial lighting in restaurants or at home.
Capturing colorful food can also elevate your photos. Don’t be afraid to change the filter on your phone, and don’t forget toread these do’s and don’ts of food photography.
2Buildings
Architectural photography is another great starting point when you want to make your smartphone pictures look better. Modern structures can work well with your phone because of their smooth textures; if you’re somewhere with a lot of skyscrapers, consider pointing your camera upwards.
you may also photograph unique details on buildings, such as windows and doors. Incorporating your surroundings into the shot can help add further context and build a stronger story.
Besides photographing the outside of buildings, consider looking for interesting patterns inside. This especially works in libraries, cafés, and museums.
3Everyday Tech
Taking photos of everyday technology is another excellent starting point for anyone who wants to take better smartphone pictures. I regularly take pictures for my MUO articles, and while I own a mirrorless camera, I rarely use it for this purpose. you’re able to photograph your smartwatch, tablet, computer, and even wireless chargers you may own.
Aim for an interesting background or setting when photographing your tech. For example, if you want to take a picture of your Apple Watch, use the gym—or your running shoes—as the background. Similarly, if you take a picture of a wireless charger, make your desk the background.
If the tech you’re photographing has a screen, I would recommend turning it on. Doing so will add another dimension and make your shots look more unique.
Coffee has become an art form, and many cafés have come up with interesting ways to make the popular beverage not only taste good but also look good. You can also make your own coffee at home and experiment with capturing interesting shots.
You can get more creative than you might think when photographing coffee. For example, in addition to capturing the drink itself, you may also want to photograph the beans and yourcoffee machine.
If you’re at a café, consider holding your cup up to the window and making the outside world blurry. You can also demonstrate how cozy you feel on a rainy day by putting your cup against a window with raindrops.
Smartphones have become much better at photographing people, and if you own an iPhone, you can use the specialized Portrait Mode. When capturing people with your phone, apply the same principles as you would whenimproving your portrait photography skills, such as avoiding forced poses.
The best smartphone portrait images happen in the moment, but I recommend thinking about what you may want to capture in advance. For example, if you’re going on a photoshoot with someone, you may include your DSLR or mirrorless camera in your image.
Careful not to overdo Portrait Mode though, as it can make your photos look weird if you do. See these othersmartphone photography habits to unlearnfor better photos.
I recommend taking close-up pictures with your smartphone as it can mitigate some of your camera’s drawbacks. With that in mind, textures are a great way to take better smartphone pictures. I really enjoy photographing wool jumpers and blankets, for example.
Besides photographing textures in clothing, you can do the same with grass, bricks, and even textures in the sky. Other objects you can capture include wooden planks and tables. My guide ontexture in photographycan help you capture more interesting shots.
Walking in nature is always a good idea, and if you pay attention to your surroundings, you’ll notice subtle changes in how plants react to the changing seasons. Trees are an excellent example of this, and they offer a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to enhance their smartphone photography.
Autumn leaves are one of my favorite things to capture, and I also enjoy photographing trees when they’re covered in snow. You can also get dramatic shots in the winter when trees are stripped of their leaves, and I’d recommend looking for unique angles. For example, if you’re in a forest, capture multiple trees in one image and let light into your picture.
Another easy way to add an extra dimension to your pictures is to include flags in your shots. I especially enjoy doing this when traveling, but you can also do it in your hometown. You can include flags on buildings, in windows, and even in people’s hands.
When capturing flags, it’s a good idea to include your surroundings too. Another idea is to photograph flags on flagpoles when they have a dramatic sky behind them. Photographing flags is one of many ways totake unique pictures in touristy locations.
9Alleyways
If you live in an urban area, using the landscape to your advantage will make your smartphone pictures stand out. One of my favorite things to do is capture shots in alleyways and similar locations, especially when traveling in Southern Europe. Because smartphone cameras are compact, they’re often better than DSLR and mirrorless devices for this kind of photography.
When photographing in alleyways and other tight spaces, you can include people walking past in your shot. Another great idea is to photograph windows, clothing lines, and streetlights in these locations.
It might seem like you’re limited when taking photos with your smartphone, but you absolutely can take photography more seriously without first needing to buy a camera. Thinking outside the box with simple subjects will help you capture shots that wow others. And as you take more pictures, you’ll naturally get better ideas.
