10 Tips to Take Professional Photos with Your Smartphone

Do you want to take better pictures with your smartphone? Here are 10 essential tips for taking professional-level photos with your smartphone.

Kristopher Donofrio15/03/202418 minutes 33, seconds read

51.2k

In recent years, smartphone cameras have advanced tremendously, making it possible for anyone to capture high-quality photos without the need for expensive, professional-grade equipment. However, taking professional-looking photos with your smartphone requires more than just pressing the shutter button. By understanding and applying certain techniques, you can elevate your mobile photography and create stunning images that rival those taken with dedicated cameras.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll share 25 expert tips to help you take professional photos with your smartphone. We'll cover topics such as composition, lighting, editing, and storytelling, as well as provide insights on using manual controls, choosing the right accessories, and experimenting with different genres. By the end of this article, you'll have a solid understanding of how to create stunning, professional-quality images using only your smartphone.

Mastering Composition Techniques

Composition is the foundation of any great photograph, regardless of the camera you use. By applying tried-and-true compositional techniques, you can create visually appealing and impactful images with your smartphone.

Some key compositional principles to keep in mind include:

The Rule of Thirds

Leading Lines

Symmetry and Patterns

Framing

Negative Space

Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and framing to add variety and visual interest to your shots. Resources like 10 Composition Tips for Taking Better Smartphone Photos and Composition in Smartphone Photography: A Complete Guide can help you master these techniques.

Harnessing the Power of Light

Light is the essential ingredient in any photograph, and understanding how to work with different lighting conditions is crucial for creating professional-looking images with your smartphone.

Some tips for harnessing the power of light include:

Shoot during the golden hours (sunrise and sunset) for soft, warm light

Use overcast days to your advantage for even, diffused lighting

Avoid harsh midday sun, which can create unflattering shadows and highlights

Experiment with backlighting and silhouettes for dramatic effects

Use reflectors or diffusers to soften and control the light

By being mindful of the light and adjusting your shooting approach accordingly, you can create stunning, well-lit photos with your smartphone. Explore resources like Mastering Light in Smartphone Photography and How to Use Light in Your Smartphone Photos to learn more.

Editing Your Photos Like a Pro

Post-processing is an essential step in creating professional-looking photos, and with the wealth of powerful editing apps available for smartphones, you can easily take your images to the next level.

Some top-rated photo editing apps for smartphones include:

Adobe Lightroom Mobile

Snapseed

VSCO

Afterlight

Enlight Photofox

When editing your photos, focus on adjusting exposure, contrast, white balance, and saturation to achieve the desired look and mood. Experiment with creative filters and effects, but use them sparingly to avoid overshadowing the original image. Resources like The Ultimate Guide to Editing Photos on Your Phone and 10 Best Photo Editing Apps for Your Smartphone can help you master mobile photo editing.

Telling Compelling Stories Through Your Photos

Great photographs often tell a story, evoke emotions, and transport the viewer into the scene. By incorporating storytelling elements into your smartphone photos, you can create more engaging and memorable images.

Some tips for telling compelling stories through your photos include:

Capturing decisive moments and candid expressions

Using visual metaphors and symbolism

Creating a narrative through a series of images

Incorporating context and environment to provide depth and meaning

Evoking emotions through color, light, and composition

By approaching your smartphone photography with a storyteller's mindset, you can create images that resonate with your audience on a deeper level. Explore resources like 5 Tips for Telling a Story Through Your Smartphone Photos and Storytelling in Mobile Photography: A Guide to learn more.

Taking Control with Manual Settings

While smartphone cameras have come a long way in terms of automatic settings and AI-powered features, taking control of manual settings can give you even greater creative flexibility and help you achieve professional-looking results.

Some manual settings to experiment with include:

Exposure compensation

ISO

Shutter speed

White balance

Focus

Many smartphone camera apps, such as Halide and ProCamera, offer manual controls that allow you to fine-tune your settings for optimal results. By understanding how these settings work and when to use them, you can take your smartphone photography to the next level. Explore resources like How to Use Manual Mode on Your Smartphone Camera and Manual Camera Controls for iPhone and Android to learn more.

Essential Smartphone Photography Accessories

While not strictly necessary, certain accessories can enhance your smartphone photography experience and help you achieve professional-looking results.

Some essential smartphone photography accessories to consider include:

Tripod or stabilizer for steady shots

External lenses for wide-angle, telephoto, or macro capabilities

Portable LED light or flash for improved lighting

Waterproof case for underwater or all-weather photography

Power bank for extended shooting sessions

When choosing accessories, ensure they are compatible with your specific smartphone model and consider their portability and ease of use. Resources like 12 Must-Have Smartphone Camera Accessories and The Ultimate Guide to Smartphone Photography Accessories can help you select the right gear for your needs.

Exploring Various Photography Genres

One of the joys of smartphone photography is the ability to easily explore and experiment with different genres. By trying your hand at various styles, you can expand your skills, discover new interests, and find your unique photographic voice.

Some popular photography genres to explore with your smartphone include:

Street photography

Landscape photography

Portrait photography

Food photography

Abstract and fine art photography

Each genre comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities, allowing you to grow as a photographer and develop a diverse portfolio. Explore resources like 10 Smartphone Photography Genres to Master and A Guide to Different Genres of Mobile Photography to learn more about these styles.

Leveraging HDR and Burst Modes

HDR (High Dynamic Range) and burst modes are powerful features found in most modern smartphone cameras that can help you capture professional-looking photos in challenging lighting conditions or fast-moving situations.

HDR mode works by taking multiple exposures of the same scene and combining them into a single image with a wider dynamic range, preserving details in both the highlights and shadows. This is particularly useful in high-contrast scenes, such as landscapes with bright skies and dark foregrounds.

Burst mode, on the other hand, captures a rapid series of images in quick succession, allowing you to select the best shot from the bunch. This is especially helpful when photographing moving subjects, such as children, pets, or sports events.

To make the most of these features, experiment with different HDR and burst mode settings, and be mindful of when to use them for optimal results. Resources like HDR Photography: A Complete Guide for Smartphone Photographers and Mastering Burst Mode on Your Smartphone Camera can help you leverage these powerful tools.

Mastering Portrait Mode and Depth Effects

Portrait mode and depth effects have become increasingly popular features in smartphone cameras, allowing users to create professional-looking portraits with beautifully blurred backgrounds, similar to those achieved with dedicated cameras and wide-aperture lenses.

To master portrait mode and depth effects on your smartphone, consider the following tips:

Ensure sufficient distance between your subject and the background

Use soft, diffused light for flattering portraits

Experiment with different angles and perspectives

Use depth effects creatively, such as for product or still life photography

Edit your portrait mode photos to refine the depth effect and make other adjustments

By understanding how portrait mode works and when to use it effectively, you can create stunning, professional-looking portraits with your smartphone. Explore resources like How to Take Professional Portrait Photos with Your Smartphone and 10 Tips for Taking Amazing Portrait Photos with Your Phone to learn more.

Capturing Stunning Panoramas and 360° Photos

Panoramas and 360° photos are immersive formats that allow you to capture expansive scenes and create interactive viewing experiences. Most modern smartphones come equipped with dedicated panorama and 360° modes, making it easy to create these stunning images.

To capture impressive panoramas and 360° photos with your smartphone, keep these tips in mind:

Use a tripod or stabilizer for smooth, even captures

Maintain a consistent exposure and white balance throughout the scene

Experiment with both horizontal and vertical panoramas

Use 360° photos for immersive, interactive experiences

Edit your panoramas and 360° photos to fine-tune stitching and adjust settings

By mastering these formats, you can add a new dimension to your smartphone photography and create images that transport your viewers into the scene. Explore resources like How to Take Panorama Photos on Your Phone and 360° Photography: A Complete Guide for Smartphone Users to learn more.

Using Live Photos and Long Exposure Effects

Live Photos and long exposure effects are creative features available on many modern smartphones that allow you to add motion and artistic flair to your images.

Live Photos capture a few seconds of video and sound along with your still image, bringing your photos to life and preserving the moment in a more dynamic way. To create engaging Live Photos, consider the following tips:

Anticipate the action and start capturing a few seconds before the key moment

Use Live Photos for scenes with subtle motion, such as flowing water or waving grass

Edit your Live Photos to create loop, bounce, or long exposure effects

Long exposure effects, on the other hand, allow you to create artistic motion blur and light trails, typically associated with slower shutter speeds on dedicated cameras. Many smartphone camera apps, such as Slow Shutter Cam and Long Exposure Camera 2, offer manual controls for creating long exposure effects.

To create stunning long exposure photos with your smartphone, consider these tips:

Use a tripod or stabilizer to keep your phone steady during the exposure

Experiment with different shutter speeds to control the amount of motion blur

Use long exposure effects for scenes with moving water, light trails, or star trails

Edit your long exposure photos to fine-tune the effect and make other adjustments

By incorporating Live Photos and long exposure effects into your smartphone photography, you can create dynamic, artistic images that stand out from the crowd. Explore resources like How to Use Live Photos on iPhone and The Ultimate Guide to Long Exposure Photography on Smartphones to learn more.

Cleaning Your Lens for Crystal-Clear Images

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your smartphone photography is to ensure your lens is clean and free of smudges, fingerprints, and debris. A dirty lens can result in hazy, blurry, or flare-ridden images, detracting from the overall quality of your photos.

To clean your smartphone lens, follow these steps:

Use a soft, microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lens

If necessary, slightly dampen the cloth with distilled water or lens cleaning solution

Avoid using rough materials, such as paper towels or clothing, which can scratch the lens

Consider using a lens protector or filter to safeguard your lens from scratches and damage

By making lens cleaning a regular habit, you can ensure your smartphone photos are always crystal-clear and free of unwanted artifacts. Explore resources like How to Clean Your Phone Camera Lens and 5 Ways to Keep Your Smartphone Camera Lens Clean for more tips and tricks.

Staying Steady for Sharp, Blur-Free Photos

Camera shake is a common culprit behind blurry, out-of-focus smartphone photos. To ensure your images are always sharp and blur-free, it's essential to keep your phone steady while shooting.

Some tips for maintaining stability include:

Hold your phone with both hands and keep your elbows close to your body

Use a tripod or stabilizer for longer exposures or low-light situations

Lean against a wall or sturdy object for added support

Use your phone's built-in timer or a remote shutter to minimize hand movement

Enable optical or electronic image stabilization, if available on your device

By practicing good shooting techniques and using stabilizing aids when necessary, you can significantly reduce camera shake and achieve sharper, more professional-looking photos. Explore resources like 10 Tips for Taking Sharp Photos with Your Smartphone and How to Avoid Blurry Photos on Your Smartphone to learn more.

As you continue your journey in smartphone photography, finding inspiration and developing your unique style are essential for creating engaging, memorable images that reflect your creative vision.

To find inspiration for your smartphone photography, consider the following tips:

Study the work of photographers you admire and analyze their techniques

Participate in photography challenges or themed projects to spark creativity

Explore new locations, subjects, or genres to broaden your horizons

Draw inspiration from other art forms, such as painting, film, or music

Join photography communities or attend workshops to learn from others

When developing your personal style, focus on the following:

Experiment with different compositions, perspectives, and editing techniques

Identify the subjects, themes, or moods that resonate with you

Refine your aesthetic preferences, such as color palettes or visual motifs

Continuously shoot and review your work to recognize patterns and consistencies

Embrace your unique perspective and trust your creative instincts

Remember, finding your style is a gradual process that requires patience, experimentation, and self-reflection. Explore resources like How to Find Your Unique Style in Mobile Photography and Developing Your Personal Photography Style to guide you on this journey.

Joining Mobile Photography Communities

Engaging with mobile photography communities is a fantastic way to learn, grow, and find inspiration as a smartphone photographer. These communities provide a platform for sharing your work, receiving constructive feedback, and connecting with like-minded creatives.

Some popular mobile photography communities to explore include:

Instagram: Follow hashtags like #mobilephotography, #iphonephotography, or #androidphotography to discover and connect with other smartphone photographers

Flickr: Join groups dedicated to smartphone photography, participate in discussions, and share your images

EyeEm: A community-focused platform for discovering, sharing, and selling mobile photography

Facebook: Join groups like "Smartphone Photography" or "Mobile Photography Club" to engage with fellow enthusiasts

VSCO: A creative community centered around the popular VSCO editing app, offering a space to share and discover inspiring mobile photography

By actively participating in these communities, you can expand your knowledge, refine your skills, and build meaningful connections with other smartphone photographers. Explore resources like The Best Mobile Photography Communities to Join and 10 Mobile Photography Communities to Showcase Your Work to find the right fit for you.

Printing and Showcasing Your Best Work

Printing and showcasing your best smartphone photos is a rewarding way to celebrate your achievements, share your work with others, and elevate your mobile photography to the next level.

When printing your smartphone photos, consider the following tips:

Choose a reputable printing service that offers high-quality outputs

Select the appropriate paper type and finish for your images (e.g., glossy, matte, or fine art)

Ensure your photos have sufficient resolution for the desired print size

Calibrate your screen or use a color profile to ensure accurate colors in your prints

Experiment with different print sizes, formats, and framing options

To showcase your printed work, consider the following ideas:

Create a gallery wall in your home or office to display your favorite images

Participate in local art shows, markets, or photography exhibitions

Sell your prints online through platforms like Etsy, Fine Art America, or your own website

Gift your prints to friends, family, or clients as memorable keepsakes

Collaborate with local businesses, such as cafes or boutiques, to display your work

By printing and showcasing your smartphone photos, you can tangibly celebrate your growth as a photographer and share your unique perspective with the world. Explore resources like How to Print Your Smartphone Photos Like a Pro and 10 Creative Ways to Display Your Mobile Photography for more ideas and inspiration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking professional-looking photos with your smartphone is entirely possible with the right techniques, tools, and mindset. By mastering composition, lighting, editing, and storytelling, as well as experimenting with manual controls, accessories, and creative effects, you can elevate your mobile photography and create stunning images that rival those taken with dedicated cameras.

Remember to continuously learn, experiment, and engage with the mobile photography community to refine your skills, find inspiration, and develop your unique style. And don't forget to print and showcase your best work to celebrate your achievements and share your perspective with others.

With dedication, practice, and a willingness to explore new techniques and ideas, you can unlock the full potential of your smartphone camera and create professional-quality photos that captivate and inspire your audience.

FAQs

Can smartphone cameras really compete with dedicated cameras in terms of image quality?

While smartphone cameras may not yet match the raw image quality of high-end dedicated cameras, they have advanced significantly in recent years, offering excellent resolution, dynamic range, and low-light performance. When combined with the right techniques and post-processing, smartphone photos can often rival those taken with dedicated cameras.

What are the best smartphone camera apps for manual controls and advanced features?

Some of the best smartphone camera apps for manual controls and advanced features include Halide (iOS), ProCamera (iOS), Manual Camera (Android), and Open Camera (Android). These apps offer a range of manual settings, such as exposure compensation, ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, as well as additional features like RAW capture and histograms.

Are external lenses really necessary for smartphone photography?

While not strictly necessary, external lenses can greatly expand the creative possibilities of your smartphone photography. Wide-angle, telephoto, and macro lenses can help you capture unique perspectives and details that may not be possible with your phone's built-in camera. However, it's essential to invest in high-quality lenses to ensure optimal image quality.

How can I make my smartphone photos stand out on social media?

To make your smartphone photos stand out on social media, focus on creating unique, compelling content that showcases your personal style and perspective. Experiment with eye-catching compositions, engaging storytelling, and creative editing techniques to differentiate your work from others. Consistently post high-quality images, engage with your audience, and use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in smartphone photography?

Some common mistakes to avoid in smartphone photography include:

Not cleaning your lens regularly, resulting in hazy or smudged images

Overusing HDR or creative filters, leading to unnatural-looking photos

Neglecting composition and framing, creating cluttered or unbalanced shots

Relying solely on auto mode, missing opportunities for creative control

Not experimenting with different angles, perspectives, or subjects, resulting in repetitive or uninspired images

By being aware of these common pitfalls and actively working to avoid them, you can continually improve your smartphone photography and create more polished, professional-looking images.

Summary

For better snapshots, take some time to prepare before taking a photo. Stay firm, hold your phone as if it were a camera (with both hands) and take advantage of physical exposure controls. If you can use a volume button to take a picture, you can more easily hold the phone with two hands when you're taking an image. Do you want to take better pictures with your smartphone? Here are 10 essential tips to help you take pictures like a pro.

One of the best things about smartphone photography is that you can take as many photos as you want and you don't need to print them out to see the results. This makes it much easier to learn and improve on the basis of the results. Burst photos are great for capturing multiple images as your subject moves, so you can select the best ones afterwards. It's always good to have a flexible plan for the photos you want to take.

Don't be afraid to modify it when you're taking the image. Get closer and shoot as many frames as you can. Small changes in the subject and perspective can make or break the image. Pay attention to the lighting, shoot late in the day or early in the morning for a more dynamic light. You can also try using a small LED light to modify the light of portraits or food.

Whether it's a little bit of sunlight from a window for an indoor portrait or a neon sign for a night photo in a city, it's always smart to find some ambient lighting, smartphone flashes leave a lot to be desired by comparison. Touchretouch is a very useful application for removing unwanted content from your photos, such as dots, cables, unwanted people, etc. Instead of looking directly at the subject you are trying to photograph, pay attention to your environment, to how light not only affects the subject, but also on the spaces that surround it, around you. If you want to go beyond basic photography, you can activate manual controls in your phone's camera app. This includes photos taken with phones with multiple camera lenses, such as the iPhone XS or the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+.Not only does digital zoom produce a blurry image, but it also reduces the resolution of the photo in general and exacerbates hand vibrations, leaving an inferior representation of that adorable canine. However, some of these services don't automatically store the highest-resolution version of your photos, or if you take a lot of photos, you may have to pay a monthly fee to back up all your high-resolution photos. Sure, a firm hand is always better than a shaky hand, but neither can match the versatility of the tripod when it comes to giving your own touch to your photos.

We have seen advances in computational photography that allow you to take photos at the SLR level with the phone. However, optical zooms are OK, as they don't affect image quality and are increasingly common on smartphones. You can read all the photography tips you want, but the fact is that smartphone camera quality varies a lot, so make sure you get one that's capable of taking the photos you want. If you're willing to sacrifice image quality to increase storage space, don't hesitate to send only low-resolution photos to the cloud. We follow the light to get a fabulously illuminated photograph, but there's as much beauty in the dark as there is in the light.

On Android smartphones, you can ask Google Assistant to take a photo, a selfie or a timed image and see how your smartphone opens the camera application...