Many of the creative professions require good images to communicate their business and social media requires constant updating. With that in mind, many creatives find it a challenge that the number of images is not enough. Here are some tips on how to succeed in shooting with your mobile phone to complement your professional photos.
- Always think of the light
Light is incredibly important for creating a good image. If you're shooting in dark conditions, try to illuminate the most important part of the image with a light source. Sometimes sunlight can work well and sometimes a reflective screen may be needed to direct the light onto your subject. There are reflective screens available to buy but a first option might be aluminium foil on a piece of cardboard. - Adapt the exposure to the subject
Open the camera on your phone, click on the subject, then swipe up or down to adjust the exposure up or down. Adjust the exposure to suit your subject. - Focus on the subject
Click and hold your finger on the subject you want to shoot to lock the focus. Once the camera has locked focus, you can then move your phone and the focus remains in the same place. Keep in mind that if you move forward or backward, your subject will be out of focus. - Avoid camera flash
Light is the key to a good picture, but the built-in flash on your mobile camera is more of a hindrance than a help. - Picture compositions
There are several different rules for successful composition. That said, there is no right or wrong for every single image. By knowing the rules, you can choose what suits your image and in some cases deliberately break the rules to make your image stand out. - Use the camera grid
A valuable tool for successful composition is to use the camera's grid. On the iPhone, this is activated through System Preferences - Camera. - Create a light reflex in the eye
If your subject is a person, try to find a light reflection in the person's eye. It creates a nice effect. A tip to get the light reflection is to lift the person's gaze so that the light reflects into the eye and into the camera lens. - Complementary colours
A colour can be enhanced by a complementary colour. Can you use a complementary colour to your design to make the design poppa in the picture?
Keep in mind that sometimes complementary colours can distort the eye's perception of a colour. Test and find what works for your image.
These are some of the tips to make your photography a success.
Like many things, it's about practice and testing. Good luck!
