Even if you haven’t invested in a fancy camera for photographing your kids, chances are you have a smartphone and with these tips for better phone pictures it’s probably capable of some pretty amazing pictures.
I have said it before, I just don’t always want to be responsible for my big camera. You won’t typically find me without my phone though. Even when I make a conscious decision to tap out of social networks, or work emails, etc. I still find it hard to leave my phone behind for one MAJOR reason- it means leaving me without a camera!!
Most smartphone cameras are pretty incredible these days. These phone photography tips can take your pictures from boring to frame worthy in just a couple of seconds, without the use of a ton of apps!!
Say what??? Yep. Even without apps these tips will improve your images! (but if you still want to know which apps i love here are 5)
7 phone photography tips for better pictures of your kids
*for your convenience, there may be affiliate links throughout this post, so you can easily find the things i am showing you. by using these links, your pricing stays the same, but i earn a small commission. you can see my full disclosure here
While I do have some great tips for better phone pictures, there are a few things you may be interested in checking out, after you’ve read this post. Nothing major, just some fun swag for your smartphone camera!
- lens cleaner– see tip number 1
- a selfie stick
- a waterproof phone case– for underwater photography!
- additional lenses like these!!
1. Clean your lens.
This is one of those tips for better phone pictures that seems obvious, but it’s crucial, and seriously, i can’t tell you how many times i have passed my phone to one of my kiddos and had it returned to me covered in cheeto gunk.
It happens. A lot. It’s so important to make sure your lens is always clean in order to get crisp, clear images.
2. Don’t use the optical zoom.
Just get closer physically, if it’s possible, and if not, crop later!! The zoom option in your camera seriously degrades the quality of your image. When it comes time to print your image, you will most likely be disappointed.
3. Turn off the flash.
My students have to hear me say this over and over again because I am a fan of natural light, or using the light in your environment to paint a picture. I have a couple of reasons for that, but for the sake of time, i’m just going to say this- the flash on your camera is not flattering for people (read: red eye, harsh shadows)
4. Find the right light.
Finding the right light allows your camera’s settings to adjust to more favorable settings when working with children, make the image more interesting, or tell a story.
Sometimes, dark pictures with just a hint of available light end up grainy, but the picture is told- loud and clear, and that’s what your goal is!!
5. If you’re wishing you had more control over your camera’s settings, try an app like camera+ which allows you to adjust your settings to your taste before you snap the picture.
If you want a brighter picture, you can totally adjust that. Easy peasy!
6. Turn on the grid feature in your camera, and then adjust your perspective when taking the shot.
I like to try a few different angles when taking a picture (as seen by my camera roll). I would much rather try a few different shots, and then decide the one I love most rather than ending up wishing I would have tried a different angle.
I use my grid feature to compose my images using the rule of thirds for more interesting compositions. It’s super easy to turn on. In iphone, you go to settings, camera and photos, and then scroll to grid, and turn it on.
7. Less is more when it comes to filters.
I DO like to tweak my pictures. I like them to look nice and clean, BUT I also like to make sure they are not over processed. This is obviously, personal preference, but I have come to love pictapgo, or just processing in camera+.
I can make tiny changes without completely changing the image (unless I am changing it to black and white).
I hope these phone photography tips helps you all to freeze time a little bit, when it seems like life is getting away from you.
come hang out with me!!!
and don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already to get YOUR FREE 14 page ebook- 10 photo projects for ANYONE with ANY camera!!!
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Thanks so much! Great tips. Especially since we all think we are photographers thanks to camera phones!
What a wonderfully helpful post! I take 100% of my baby’s photos with my hubby’s iPhone. So I am glad that you posted these tips! I just love visiting your site, it is so much fun to read! I am excited to start getting your newsletter too!! 🙂
Melanie
themakingsoflife.com
AW! Melanie! Thank you. You are so sweet, and I am so glad you are enjoying the site. 🙂