When a photograph is able to depict closely what you have seen on site, it would do justice to the subject matter by giving it the due representation. This in itself is hard to achieve and require much practice and skillset.
And, when a photograph illuminates the object of your interest beyond what you have seen, that would be stunning and otherworldly.
📸 1. Use the Rule of Thirds
What: Imagine a 3x3 grid over your photo (like a tic-tac-toe board).
Why: Placing your subject along these lines or at their intersections makes photos naturally balanced.
How: Turn on the grid in your camera settings. Frame your subject off-center, not smack in the middle.
🔗 Learn more: Photography Life - Rule of Thirds
🌞 2. Chase the Best Light
What: Natural light = your best friend.
Why: Good lighting flatters your subject, adds depth, and avoids grainy shots.
How:
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Shoot during golden hour (1 hour after sunrise or before sunset).
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Avoid harsh midday sun unless you want strong contrast.
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Indoors? Face a window. Don’t shoot with a bright window behind your subject (unless doing a silhouette).
🔗 Learn more: Adobe - Lighting in Photography
🔽 3. Shoot from Different Angles
What: Eye level isn’t always the best.
Why: A unique angle = more interest.
How:
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Go low for a dramatic feel (e.g. flowers or pets).
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Try top-down shots for food or flat lays.
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Tilt your phone for dynamic lines.
🔗 Learn more: Finding the Perfect Shot: A Beginner’s Guide to Picking the Right Angle for Photos and Videos
🎯 4. Tap to Focus & Adjust Exposure
What: Your camera needs a little help sometimes.
Why: Auto mode doesn’t always focus on what you want.
How:
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Tap on your subject to focus.
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Slide your finger up/down (on most phones) to brighten or darken the shot.
🔗 Learn more: 13 Smartphone Photography tips & tricks
📏 5. Keep it Steady
What: A shaky hand = blurry shots.
Why: Stability gives sharpness, especially in low light.
How:
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Use both hands.
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Rest elbows on a surface or lean against something.
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Or use a cheap mini tripod.
🔗 Learn more: iPhone Photography School - Avoid Blurry Photos
🎨 6. Use Leading Lines
What: Lines (roads, fences, shadows) that lead the eye to your subject.
Why: Adds flow and structure to your photo.
How: Look for natural or man-made lines in the scene that “point” toward your main subject.
🔗 Learn more: A Guide to Leading Lines In Photography
📐 7. Keep the Background Clean
What: A messy background can distract from your subject.
Why: Simpler = stronger focus.
How:
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Move around to find a less cluttered spot.
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Use Portrait Mode to blur the background.
🔗 Learn more: Tips for Clean Backgrounds
💡 8. Use HDR for Tricky Lighting
What: HDR (High Dynamic Range) balances light and dark areas.
Why: Helps in scenes with both bright skies and dark shadows.
How: Turn on Auto HDR in your settings and let the phone decide when to use it.
🔗 Learn more: Android Central - What is HDR
🔗 Learn more: Apple Support - HDR on iPhone
🖼️ 9. Frame Within a Frame
What: Use windows, arches, doors, or trees to frame your subject.
Why: Adds depth and focuses attention.
How: Move around and look for things you can shoot through to naturally frame the subject.
🔗 Learn more: PetaPixel - Composition Techniques
🧽 10. Clean Your Lens!
What: A smudgy lens = foggy or blurry photo.
Why: Phones live in pockets, so lenses get dirty fast.
How: Gently wipe your lens with a microfiber cloth or clean shirt.
🔗 Learn more: How To Clean Your Phone Camera Lens
Bonus: Editing = Polishing
Use free apps like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, or VSCO to:
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Adjust brightness, contrast, saturation
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Crop & straighten
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Add subtle filters (not overdone!)
🔗 Learn more: Snapseed Tips For Editing Your Photos
🔗 Lightroom Mobile: Official Tutorial
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