Who is this for?

Most anyone that owns a smartphone has some sort of desire to capture photos, most often taken in order to be later published on social media. This post is designed to help you gain the necessary skills to confidently take and post fabulous pictures.

4 Ways To Master Smartphone Photography

Light

Light is one of the most important things when it comes to photography. When taking a photo be sure you are facing the source of light. Walk around your space and find the most even lighted area, when you find it take your picture there. When taking pictures of people make sure their position is taking advantage of the lighting given.

Backgrounds

Pay attention to what is happening behind your subject. Make sure you position them such that They are the key focus; not the distracting backgrounds. If there is something that is to distracting you have two options:

  1. Move the items in the background (ideal for sticks, trash, toys, etc)
  2. Reposition the subject. Sometimes you can't move the background; instead just angle your subject in such way that they themselves cover the problem item.

Rule of Thirds

Know that grid that comes up on your phonescreen when taking pictures, well its actually there to help you rather than distract/bother you. When you're taking pictures make sure your main subject is off-centered. Human's eyes naturally focus on the four corners of a picture, so place your subject closer to those areas to grab your audiences attention. Remember, don't overthink it, just don't place them smack dab in the middle of the frame.

Editing

Before you read on you're probably thinking I'm about to try and sell you some sort of fancy software, but that would be wrong. Pretty pictures do not require fancy and expensive software. I typically use the free Lightroom App for iPhone pictures.

In Lightroom you will:

  1. Select the photo you want to edit.
  2. Chose what settings you want to change (exposure, white balance, shadow, etc)
  3. Confirm you like the outcome of the changes
  4. Click on the box with an arrow at the top of the app and select “export to camera roll”.

In Conclusion

  • Look for the light. Where is it coming from?
  • take note of the background and make the appropriate changes
  • Note you subjects positioning. Are they in the middle or slightly offset?
  • Lightly edit your photos if needed.
  • Have fun and be creative

I cannot wait to see how you show off your new photography skills! Be sure to tag on instagram @kksfotos or with #fotosbykk next time you try smartphone photography.

Thank you so much for following along!