Ever wondered how your favorite Instagram account managed to capture that amazing photo during their outdoor adventure? Do you need an insanely expensive camera with lots of lenses, or is it all about knowledge? We’re about to reveal our 11 best tips.
Most people carry their smartphones with them when they head into the woods. The truth is, most smartphones today are incredibly capable cameras; it’s just a matter of learning how to use them. The basic rules of photography apply to both expensive DSLR cameras and mobile phones. The main difference is that the owner of the expensive DSLR takes the time to learn how to think and capture a great photo. But you can do the same and improve the quality of your mobile photos!
In addition to having an interesting subject to fill your frame, whether it’s a cozy campsite, a campfire, or a couple of hikers on a trail, there are several technical aspects that must align for the photo to turn out great. Here are our 11 tips to consider when taking photos, whether you’re using your phone or a dedicated camera.
1. Ensure the Focus is Right
This may sound obvious to some but like magic to others. Getting the focus right means having the right part of the image sharp. On most phones, you can easily tap where you want the focus. Try this to minimize the risk of a blurry tent but sharp trees in the background.
2. Keep the Lens Clean For a Clean Photo
There’s a reason photographers are meticulous about lens protection. A dirty lens can significantly degrade the result. The same applies to your mobile phone.
3. Skip the Zoom
Unless your phone has optical zoom, we advise against using the digital zoom. It quickly degrades the image quality. It’s better to move your feet and get closer to the subject.
4. The Sun: Friend and Foe
Taking photos in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest may seem optimal because of ample light. However, this couldn’t be more wrong. Shadows become harsh and unflattering. To get the best pictures, shoot during the golden hour – the first and last hour the sun shines each day. That’s when you capture those truly magical moments.
Also, avoid strong backlight unless you intend to use it from an artistic perspective.
5. Natural Framing
If you want to draw your followers’ eyes to a specific part of the photo, try framing it. Use elements in the surroundings, foreground, background, or other elements in the image to create a sense of framing around your main subject. Perhaps some branches, blueberry bushes, or a pile of snow.
6. Keep the Horizon Straight
When shooting landscapes, it’s crucial to have a straight horizon, especially if you’re photographing the sea or lakes. If you notice the image is tilted afterward, it’s easily fixable on your phone.
7. The Golden Ratio – Rule of Thirds
The golden ratio involves where in the image you should place your subject. Imagine dividing the image into nine equally sized squares. Your main subject should align along the lines between the squares or at the intersections. Many phones have an option to display this grid to help compose your shots.
8. Clean Up the Photo
To create a harmonious picture, look at the whole scene, not just the main subject. Avoid unnecessary elements in the photo that may distract from the main subject. In many cases, the surroundings require more attention than the main subject. There are several tricks to use here, such as moving yourself, the main subject, or both. You can also make changes to the background if changing locations is not an option.
9. Movement into the Frame
When photographing people, animals, or objects in motion, try to capture them moving into the frame. This provides space in front of the subject for the viewer’s imagination to continue forward. This also applies to portraits, where a person’s eyes can symbolize the direction they are headed.
10. Interesting Photo Perspective
Most people have stood and admired a sea of blueberry bushes. How do you make the specific blueberry bush you’re photographing stand out? With a different perspective, of course! This is one of the most common mistakes beginners make: shooting from the angle they normally view things. Try getting down on your knees or lying down. Maybe hop on a rock? Dare to experiment with perspectives! Another advantage of working with perspectives is that you can clean up a cluttered background (see tip #8).
11. Dare to Edit the Photo
We promise that very few of the photos you see in popular feeds come straight from the camera. In most cases, they have been through either a editing app or some program on a computer. This is not wrong; it’s just another tool to produce a good image. But avoid the ready-made filters; they often do more harm than good. A great mobile app we often use is called Snapseed.
