Introduction
Ever snapped a picture on your phone and wondered why it looks a bit flat? With a few simple adjustments, you can transform ordinary shots into stunning photographs.
This article will discuss the basics that you can implement so that you can take your smartphone photography to the next level!
Objectives:
Understanding what makes a good smartphone photo
At its core, great smartphone photography has three key elements: lighting, focus, and composition. Here’s how each plays a role:
1. Lighting - The foundation of a great image
- Natural lighting is ideal: Soft, diffused light (think golden hour) enhances details without harsh shadows.
- Avoid backlighting: Too much light behind the subject can cause overexposure or silhouettes.
- Use built-in features: Adjust brightness or use HDR to balance highlights and shadows.
2. Focus - Sharpness makes the difference
- Tap to focus: Smartphones allow you to manually select your subject for a sharp image.
- Avoid digital zoom: Instead, move closer to your subject to maintain resolution and clarity.
- Use depth effects: Portrait mode or shallow depth of field can make subjects stand out.
3. Composition - Structuring the shot for impact
- Rule of thirds: Place subjects along intersecting grid lines for a natural balance.
- Leading lines: Use roads, pathways, or shadows to guide the viewer’s eye into the frame.
- Framing: Utilise natural surroundings like doorways or trees to add depth to your shot.
These are the foundations of a good smartphone image, but these three elements will only get you so far if you haven’t optimised your smartphone camera settings!
Making the most of your smartphone camera
Optimised camera settings will look different depending on what phone you have! Below is a table outlining the best settings for iOS and Android devices:
| Setting |
Apple iPhone (iOS) |
Android Phones |
| Resolution & Format |
Enable ProRAW
(Settings > Camera > Formats) |
Select RAW format in Pro mode (varies by brand) |
| Grid for Composition |
Turn on Grid
(Settings > Camera > Grid) |
Enable Grid lines in camera settings |
| Exposure Adjustment |
Tap and drag the exposure slider in the camera app |
Use Exposure Value (EV) slider in Pro mode |
| HDR Mode |
Enable Smart HDR
(Settings > Camera) |
Use HDR more
(toggle in camera settings) |
| Focus & Depth Control |
Tap to focus, use Portrait Mode for depth |
Tap to focus, enable Portrait Mode with AI enhancements |
| Night Mode |
Auto Night Mode
(Settings > Camera > Night Mode) |
Enable Night Sight (Pixel), Night Mode (Samsung) |
| Video Resolution |
Select 4K at 60fps
(Settings > Camera > Record Video) |
Choose 4K, HDR10+, or frame rate options in camera settings |
| Stabilisation |
Optical stabilisation built-in, no manual setting |
DatEnable Super Steady Mode (Samsung) or EIS (Pixel)a |
| Macro Photography |
Enable Macro Mode (if supported, tap close-up subjects) |
Use Super Macro Mode in camera settings |
| Live Photo / Motion Capture |
Turn on Live Photos (Camera app toggles) |
Use Motion Photos (toggle in Camera app) |
| Editing & Post-Processing |
Use Apple Photos or third-party apps like Lightroom |
Use Google Photos, Snapseed, or built-in AI tools |
Essential composition techniques
Earlier we talked about how composition is one of the three key components of quality smartphone photography, but how can you make sure that you’re using composition effectively to enhance your photos? Let’s dive deeper into composition techniques:
1. Rule of Thirds
Activate the grid overlay in your camera settings and position important elements along the lines rather than in the centre. A slight shift away from the middle can create a more dynamic and visually pleasing shot.
2. Leading Lines
Incorporate paths, rivers, walls, or patterns to naturally draw the viewer’s gaze toward the subject. Lines don’t always need to be straight—curved or diagonal lines can add movement and depth to an image.
3. Framing
Use objects in the foreground to create a natural frame—this can add a sense of depth and focus. Experiment with framing subjects between contrasting elements, such as light and shadow, for a layered effect.
4. Negative Space
Leaving empty space around your subject (sky, walls, open landscapes) can make the subject stand out dramatically. This technique works well for minimalist or artistic photography.
5. Perspective & Angles
Experiment with low angles to create dynamic shots, or high angles for a unique viewpoint. Shooting from different perspectives adds creativity and makes images more dynamic.
6. Symmetry & Patterns
Use reflections, repeated shapes, or mirrored compositions to create striking visuals. Symmetry naturally draws in the viewer’s attention.
7. Depth & Layers
Include foreground elements to create a sense of depth. This makes photos feel more immersive rather than flat.
So now we know more about how to effectively use composition to take your smartphone photos from basic to beautiful! Now you have a great image, it’s time to refine and polish it with editing.
Editing for a professional finish
Let’s polish your image! There are a number of apps that are available for both iOS and Android devices, let’s take a look:
| App |
Free or Paid |
Key Features |
| Snapseed |
Free |
Advanced editing tools, filters, RAW support |
| Adobe Photoshop Express |
Free |
Quick edits, retouching, overlays |
| VSCO |
Free (Paid upgrade) |
Stylish filters, basic editing, presets |
| PicsArt |
Free (Paid upgrade) |
AI-powered effects, collages, stickers |
| Adobe Lightroom |
Paid (Subscription) |
Professional colour correction, RAW editing |
| Prisma |
Paid (Subscription) |
Turns photos into artistic paintings |
| Bazaart |
Paid |
Graphic design, cutouts, blending effects |
| Photofox |
Paid |
Layers, double exposure, artistic edits |
Conclusion
Who needs a camera when you can take quality pictures on your smartphone! With these skills you can take stunning images that are well composed, well-lit, and well edited.
Want to take professional-level photos with your smartphone? Our industry-led courses will help you master composition, editing, and advanced techniques. Sign up today!
by Josie Daniel