Take better photos with your phone camera
Our phones have made photographers of us all, recording our everyday experiences, holidays and fun times together. As a photographer it’s easy to get snobbish about phone cameras. For sure, they don’t have all the capabilities of a ‘proper’ camera. But they have many unique advantages, and some of my most precious pictures were taken with my phone.
I recently took the time to go back through all the photos on my phone. It took a while, but it was a wonderful trip down memory lane, and I was delighted at how many of them were ‘keepers’. It motivated me to save the ones I loved, and to print a bunch of pictures for friends and family.
It also reminded me that photos can be important whether or not they are ‘technically’ good. Whether they’re taken by a professional, or snapped by you on a family day out or a lazy day at home, your photos are your memories - a legacy for you and your children, which you will truly value in years to come.
I felt inspired to share a few tips for taking better phone camera pictures, and to write a guide for anyone that is interested in finding out more and improving their skills. So here are three of my favourites with some reflections on why I think they work. The link to the guide is at the end - it’s free to download and full of useful advice 😊
My Aunty Jane with her doggies on Hayling Island Beach
There was so much to love about this little scene, and lots of elements came together as I took the picture, with a bit of luck thrown in! The overall composition is supported by the symmetry and complementary colours between the beach and the sky, which give image a lovely balance.
The diagonal direction of the clouds and their reflection in the water provide ‘leading lines’ which add depth to the photo and draw the eye to the dogs chasing the hang-glider. Jane in the foreground adds both depth and movement to the scene. I was fortunate to capture the exact moment that Geoff leapt into the air 🐶
My nephew Hunter at Mead Farm
Mead Open Farm in Leighton Buzzard is one of Hunter’s favourite places in the world, and I highly recommend it if you’re in the area and looking for an awesome place to take the kids (see here for more tips on fab locations in Leighton Buzzard).
The first thing to think about when taking pictures of children is to get down to their level. This makes sure the photo is taken from their perspective, telling their story. I’m down on my knees for this one, and probably took dozens of pictures to get this one! The entrance to the tunnel provides a perfect frame, and a symmetrical, balanced image, all of which draws attention to Hunter’s fab expression 😮.
Lazing by the poolside in Portugal
My friends and I could scarcely believe our eyes when we turned up at our rented holiday villa in Portugal last year to see that we had this all to ourselves. The kids were made up, and hardly spent a moment of the holiday out of the pool. I was lucky to find a moment when it was unoccupied to take this photo.
I love the balance and ‘adjacent’ colours between the green of the water and the blue of the sky, complemented by the yellows and pinks in and around the pool. The diagonal leading lines and the candy-coloured ring in the foreground give the image depth and balance against the dark trees in the background. Sigh, I wish I was still there… ☀️💕
⚡️Free guide to taking better phone camera pictures ⚡️
If you enjoy taking pictures, whether it's of your family, complete strangers, natural landscape or the urban environment, my new Guide is full of helpful tips on:
⭐️ the advantages your phone camera has over expensive DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
⭐️ how to get the best out of your phone camera, and produce meaningful images that you'll cherish.
⭐️ advice on the technical aspects of phone camera photography.
⭐️ where to go next if you'd like to learn more about photography and improve your skills.
Just enter your details below to download your free Guide:
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