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As the massive tech companies like Apple and Samsung are very fond of saying, in today’s world, anyone with a smartphone can become a photographer. In essence, that’s true; if you’ve got a device in your hand you’ve got the ability to take images in an instant, with no set up, no special lenses and no professional skills. With digital capabilities, the term ‘point and shoot’ really has come into its own. However, it should be remembered that photography, just like any other creative endeavour, is an art form and there is still huge scope to put your own stamp on the act of capturing a moment in time. For those truly serious about taking their skills to another level, an iPhone or tablet will probably never be enough and they’ll want to explore the more sophisticated DSLR equipment – or even go retro with a film camera! Tips for Taking Mobile Phone Images Signing up for expert tuition on something like an online Steve McCurry photography course will reveal just how exciting this discovery can be, but until then, here’s a few tips to help you start creating stunning images with only your mobile phone. Don’t Zoom in: This tip may sound counter-intuitive, because when you’re using a mobile device to take images from a distance it may be tempting to try and capture the finer details. But in this case it’s not a great idea, as you’ll risk the subject being blurry, out of focus or pixelated. If it’s not practical, or you don’t have time to get closer to the subject, it’s a better idea to zoom and crop in post-production. Make the most of natural light: One drawback of a smartphone is that the flash feature is never completely successful if you’re looking to take professional images. More often than not the image will end up looking very overexposed and the colours will not be true. Even the most sophisticated models don’t get it quite right, so the solution is to take advantage of natural light whenever you can. Don’t see this as a disadvantage, though, because creatively it can open up some wonderful opportunities to play with shadows and silhouettes. Use the manual exposure feature: Didn’t know you had one on a smartphone? You’re not alone! While it does automatically adjust to the ‘correct’ exposure, it doesn’t always give the best results. You can manually adjust exposure by going into the camera app, tapping the screen and looking for the icon. You can then adjust by swiping up or down. Shoot outside the square: The freedom of using a mobile phone to capture images means you can be spontaneous, unobtrusive and, ultimately, very creative. The key is to be as unique and original as you can with your composition. Because you won’t be concentrating on the technical side of things so much, you’ll have time to look for the unexpected – in both your subjects and composition. Keep the lens clean: The last tip might seem obvious but it’s surprising how many people forget this. With all the handling and banging around in pockets or handbags, the lens is prone to dust and smudges. Take the time to regularly give it a wipe with a soft cloth or even part of your clothing. Expand Your Creativity Apart from getting out there and just practicing, one of the best ways of improving your skills is to take a class with an expert to learn their professional tips and tricks. A Steve McCurry photography course is one such avenue, and learning online from this iconic master will open you up to a whole new world. Steve McCurry photography course lessons include not just technical information, but you’ll also be able to get inside the head of the great man to see the thought process behind his work. Author Plate Adam Harper is a Photography Consultant at Masters of Photography. If you’re looking for courses from the world’s greatest photographers, they offer a Steve McCurry photography course online as well as other excellent Masterclasses. Suitable for all levels, the courses provide lifetime access to easy to follow classes, allowing participants to learn valuable tips and tricks and take big steps to improve their photography. The online community affords the opportunity to find inspiration from both the Masters and fellow students.
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