Now that you’ve got a handle on the absolute basics of phone photography from our last post, it’s time to expand your skills! Use these tips to build on your phone photography talents and get the most out of your summer.
Composition II
In our first post on summer photography, composition was mentioned very briefly. For a refresher, composition is how subject matter is placed within the shot. The rule of thirds and symmetry are two great examples.
More advanced is something like the golden ratio. The golden ratio (or the golden spiral) is a reoccurring shape in nature that has been mathematically proven to be aesthetically pleasing. It’s used in famous art like The Last Supper. You can use the golden ratio in photography too! InVision has a great breakdown of the golden spiral, with examples.
Look For Subject Matter Everywhere
Unlike a traditional camera, your phone is almost always with you. This gives you the opportunity to take photos that you might otherwise miss.
Take pictures of anything and everything that interests you (keeping in mind other people’s privacy, of course). You never know where the perfect shot might come from.
Move Around
Moving around your subject matter and within the area is a great way to take interesting photos. This can go beyond simply trying different angles.
Try from closer up or farther away. Look to your right or left, and then go there. Making use of your legs is an essential part of photography. This also helps you avoid using zoom. Zoom may seem convenient, but it’s damaging to image quality.
Use Perspective
If you’ve ever seen a photo of someone pinching the Eiffel Tower or holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you’ve seen the use of perspective.
Perspective describes how subject matter looks bigger or smaller depending on how close or far away you are, as well as the angles you’re shooting at. A downward-facing angle will make an object look smaller, while an upward angle will make it look bigger. This is a great way to toy with surrealism! Turn an ant into a giant or a mountain into a miniature.
Take Your Time
Lastly, take your time when you’re practicing photography. Slow down the process and ensure you’re giving the subject matter the time it deserves. Try focusing on stability and ensuring you’re getting the sharpest image possible. Use all the techniques discussed here and in the previous article, and take the time to line up your shot exactly how you want it.
Now that you have these basics down pat, you’re ready for a summer of amazing photography! Remember to edit your photos with Aurora HDR to get them to really pop. You can grab Aurora HDR here for 40% off!