Wondering why other people\u2019s phone pics look like they hired a photographer while yours look like you\u2019re underwater? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A simple fix could be the trick you\u2019re missing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are ten ways to level-up, no special apps required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obvious? Yes. Easy to forget? Also, yes. And if your phone pics look like they were taken in a steam room, this is a likely culprit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A quick wipe (preferably with a microfibre cloth to avoid scratches) can turn a fuzzy scene crisp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take it up a notch by using special lens-cleaning wipes<\/strong><\/a> or a lens cleaning kit<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pics that look grainy \u2013 almost like an old movie \u2013 could have a lighting issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some modern smartphone cameras cope pretty well in low-light conditions. But if natural light is available, use it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure your subject doesn\u2019t have their back to the sun or (any light source) to avoid a silhouette look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the scene looks like lightning struck as you pressed the button, it could be overexposed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Shoot in the late afternoon or early morning rather than midday when the sun\u2019s overhead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This will help you avoid harsh lighting and deep shadows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You know how influencers will sometimes post a flawless fit but all you can see is their unmade bed in the background? Take a minute to de-clutter and you will instantly elevate your phone pics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This basic rule of photography is all about balance. Imagine a 3\u00d73 grid over the screen (some phones have this view available in settings). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Position a key element (e.g. the person you\u2019re shooting) along one of the vertical grid lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, they\u2019ll be off-centre \u2013 that\u2019s the point. You can also use the horizontal lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Say you\u2019re shooting a sunset \u2013 position the horizon along the bottom horizontal line so the sky fills most of the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shoot with the end result in mind. Most social platforms these days prioritise portrait (vertical) pics, so if you\u2019re shooting for the Gram, keep your phone upright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most phones (especially older models) have a better-quality rear camera with more lenses giving you more options of modes and settings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can go full-on photo geek and manually adjust settings or play around with different modes \u2013 using portrait mode creates that effect where the subject is crisp and the background is softly blurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Millennials love holding their phones up high, but the awkward reality is shooting from above can make you look like a bobble head. Not a good look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, shooting from below can make you look like a giant. Keep it natural-looking by keeping the camera straight on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When shooting children and pets, crouch down to their level to turn meh<\/em> phone pics into striking portraits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes zooming in is unavoidable but depending on your device, it may make your phone pics lose quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A typical sign: they look blurred, grainy and dull. Rather move closer to the subject if you can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find your picture perfect phone and browse the latest deals here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Use natural light<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Time your phone pics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Clean up the background<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Use the rule of thirds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Turn your phone to match the platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. When in doubt, use the rear camera<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Tweak your settings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Get your angles right<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Easy on the zoom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n