Everyone has a smartphone and everyone is taking pictures on it. But if we are to be honest about it, not everyone knows how to take good photos on their phone. However, there are some basics that can help you turn a random shot into a masterpiece. You just need to pay a little attention to some small details and then take it from there. 

Clean your lens

You might scoff at this but you’d be surprised at how many of us don’t get good shots simply because our camera lenses aren’t clean. So take a bit of lens cleaner or a wipe made for glasses and give your phone camera lens a wipe down before taking a photo. Get into the habit of cleaning your phone regularly to ensure your photos aren’t blurry.

Make use of natural light

Have you noticed how the flash always makes your photos look a little off? If you can, try to take photos in natural light. They always come out looking much better than photos in artificially lit spaces or with the flash on. Avoid harsh overhead lights or midday sun which create strong shadows. However, there are different forms of natural light and over time you will slowly come to understand how they affect the quality of the photos you take. 

Learn the right framing technique

Many people take off looking photos because they just point and shoot without considering the frame of the photo. Framing is a technique that can make your photos look so much nicer. Use archways, trees, doors, or windows to create visual borders around your subject. This draws your eyes to the subject and makes it look appealing. It also provides depth and context to your photos. 

Play with angles and composition

Don’t just point and shoot. Look at how you can try different angles to take a photo. For portraits, slightly above eye level works great. Low angles create a dramatic effect. Make sure you consider the background and keep it as clutter free as possible. If you are taking photos in a crowded space, move around to get the perfect shot. Turn on the grid in your camera setting so that you can place your subject along lines and intersections to ensure they are aligned properly. 

Ask a pro to help 

Chances are that you know someone who takes really good pictures. That friend whose photos you always like on Instagram? Or a colleague who becomes the designated photographer at every event? Take tips from them. Ask them questions. Look at their photos. If possible, tag along when they are out to take photos. You will learn more by practicing than by reading or watching tutorials. 

Use your phone’s features 

Your phone comes with some preset features that can make your photos look nice. Try experimenting with the different modes and settings. Experiment with portrait mode for blurred backgrounds. If the object you are photographing is moving, use the burst mode. There are also options for shooting in both bright and dark areas. You could also use different filters to edit your photos. The key is to play around with your phone camera.