With the impressive abilities within our smartphones today, almost everyone has the power to take incredible photographs. You do not always have to own an extortionate DSLR, just a little creativity. Our artistic passion usually presents itself when we escape normality and embark on a magical holiday. Capturing the beauty of our holiday destination to show our family and friends can often be a priority for many. Though, have you ever realised your pictures never quite seem to do the grandeur and wonder of your destination justice?
If you find yourself in this situation then rest assured, this is the perfect blog for you. Here are my top three photography tips and hacks to help you take stunning and memorable pictures on your smartphones.
TIP 1: LIGHTING
Lighting is arguably one of the most important aspects of photography. It can easily separate what
could have been a fantastic image, to average.
Most notably, sunrise and sunset (commonly referred to as ‘golden hour’) are the optimal times of the day to line up the camera lens for the perfect photo.
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During the day, the lighting from the sun can be extremely harsh. However, with the right environment such as city photography; detail, saturation, and shadows can all be exploited to your advantage. Lastly, do not be afraid to take photos under a dull, grey sky. There are opportunities here to capture unique, dramatic atmospheres.
TIP 2: RULE OF TWO THIRDS
The rule of two thirds is an extremely effective photography technique that can ensure those viewing your picture will be far more engaged. Using the rule of two thirds can be relatively simple.
The easiest way to understand it is through visualising two horizontal lines and two vertical lines dividing up your shot. Then by positioning your focal points where the lines cross, you create an image that is not overwhelmed by a centerpiece. It is important to note that many smartphones today offer the option to turn on a grid, making It simple to achieve the rule of two thirds.
When capturing a landscape shot, try positioning the horizon on one of the two horizontal lines. This allows you to create a more seamless transition and avoid a hard separation.
If you find yourself with a picture that ticks all the boxes but does not quite encompass the rule of two thirds, there is always the option to edit the picture through your smartphone software and crop the focal points to the desired position.
TIP 3: POST PROCESSING
After you have taken the perfect photo using our tips as well as your own creative spark, there is still the option of editing the photo to bring out its full potential. Most smartphones come with the built-in software to edit your pictures, though you could alternatively download free photo editing apps or opt for a paid software to really impress your viewers.
Utilising options such as exposure (the light and dark levels), contrast (the ratios between different tones) and brilliance (brightening shadows and exposing detail) can all be great steppingstones into taking your holiday photography to stunning works of art.
BONUS TIPS
CLEAN YOUR LENS
A relatively simple tip but in reality cleaning your phone’s camera lens is often ignored. A combination of natural dirt and debris can cause unwanted flare in your photographs so make sure to every so often give your camera lens a clean.
