Tips and Tricks on How to Make Great Smartphone Photographs
Smartphone cameras have become powerful tools for capturing stunning photographs, and they offer a plethora of creative possibilities for those willing to explore beyond the basics. In this blog post, we'll dive into some advanced artistic tips that will take your smartphone photography to the next level. From creative compositions to unique editing techniques, let's unlock your artistic potential and create captivating images that stand out from the crowd.
Embrace Minimalism: Sometimes, less is more. Embrace minimalism in your smartphone photography by simplifying your compositions. Look for clean backgrounds, uncluttered scenes, and minimalistic subjects. Utilize negative space to draw attention to your main subject, allowing it to shine and create a sense of tranquility in your images.
2. Play with Reflections: Reflections can add a touch of magic to your photographs. Seek out reflective surfaces like still water, glass, or shiny objects. Experiment with capturing reflections to create captivating and symmetrical compositions. Play with angles and perspectives to find unique reflections that can turn an ordinary scene into something extraordinary.
3. Long Exposures: Believe it or not, you can achieve long exposure effects with your smartphone camera. This technique is particularly useful for capturing mesmerizing motion blur in waterfalls, traffic trails, or even star trails. To achieve this effect, you dont even need a stable surface or a tripod. Use live photos, make a bunch of frames without moving, and then - in your image gallery - select the "Live" pulldown menu and choose "Long Exposure." There are other options to play with too!
4. Introduce Lens Flare: Lens flare can add a dreamy and ethereal quality to your images. Position your smartphone so that the light source, such as the sun, is partially hidden behind an object. Experiment with different angles and compositions to achieve stunning lens flare effects. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as lens flare can sometimes detract from the overall image quality - just look at JJ Abrahms "Star Trek" movie!
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5. Capture Silhouettes: Silhouettes are powerful and visually striking. Look for subjects with strong and recognizable shapes against a bright and vibrant background. Position yourself so that the light source is behind your subject, resulting in a darkened silhouette against a colorful or dramatic sky. Remember to bring the camera low to the ground to best isolate a figure! Silhouettes can evoke emotions and tell stories through the simplicity of their form.
6. Emphasize Details with Macro Photography: Smartphone cameras have come a long way in capturing intricate details with macro photography. Get up close to your subject and explore the hidden world of small objects and textures. Flowers, insects, or everyday objects like water droplets can be transformed into captivating works of art when captured with macro photography.
If you are ready to take the next step in your photo education, book a free consultation with us and we can work together to customize a plan for you.
7. Explore Different Angles: To create visually engaging photographs, don't be afraid to experiment with different angles. Instead of shooting at eye level, try getting down low or finding a higher vantage point. Shooting from a low angle can add a sense of grandeur and make your subject appear more imposing. Conversely, shooting from above can provide a unique perspective and reveal patterns or interesting shapes. Don't limit yourself to the conventional; explore different angles to capture intriguing compositions. Getting down low or even lying on the ground can reveal fascinating perspectives and allow you to capture the world from a new angle. By photographing subjects from a low position, you can emphasize their size and create a sense of drama. On the other hand, climbing to higher positions, such as stairs, rooftops, or hills, can provide a captivating bird's-eye view of your surroundings. Play with height variations to add depth and uniqueness to your smartphone photography.
8. Flip It Over: Sometimes, flipping your smartphone upside down can yield surprisingly creative results. By turning your phone over and shooting from an inverted position, you can create an unusual and intriguing perspective. This technique works well when capturing reflections, symmetry, or abstract compositions. Be open to experimenting and embrace the unconventional to capture eye-catching images that defy expectations.
9. Harness the Power of Panorama: Most smartphone cameras offer a panorama mode that allows you to capture wide, sweeping landscapes or elongated scenes. Panoramas can be particularly effective when photographing vast natural landscapes, city skylines, or expansive architectural structures. Experiment with panning your smartphone steadily across the scene to capture panoramic images that showcase the scale and beauty of your surroundings. Remember you can also shoot vertical panoramics as well.
10. Play with Distortion and Reflections: Smartphone lenses and reflective surfaces can create interesting distortions and reflections and add an artistic touch to your images. Experiment with shooting through objects like glass or water to create a dreamy or abstract effect. You can also play with the distortion caused by wide-angle lenses to create unique perspectives or emphasize certain elements within your frame. Embrace these creative opportunities to capture intriguing and visually captivating photographs.
Remember, the key to exploring different angles and techniques is to push your creative boundaries and challenge traditional perspectives. Don't be afraid to break the rules and experiment with your smartphone camera. The more you practice and venture outside your comfort zone, the more you'll discover your own unique style and vision as a smartphone photographer. So, grab your phone, step out into the world, and capture the extraordinary from every angle. Also, make sure you have insurance!
Check out several interviews and tutorials from Ben Lowy and Marvi Lacar’s smartphone photography projects!
