With how far we've come with technology, it's amazing to think that most everyone has access to a camera. Cell phone cameras are now just as good as your standard "point and shoot" camera. But just like it is with my DSLR, or any camera you pick up, it's all about knowing how to use it. (Let me tell you, one of the biggest pet peeves across the photo industry is having someone look at their photos and say, "your camera takes really good pictures." That's the same as telling a musician that their instrument makes really good music.) Regardless of the type of camera you have on your phone, these tips that I'm about to share will drastically improve your cell phone photography. Especially when it comes to documenting your day by day. 

Direction of Light

This is going to be a huuuuuuge factor in how your photos turn out. Once you are able to read and understand light, you can predict how your photos will turn out. Take these pictures I snapped of Jonesy - the set up is the same and they are only a few seconds apart, I simply changed one thing. Any guesses?

It all comes down to where your light source is coming from. In the first picture my camera is competing with trying to properly expose for Jones as well as the window. Two very differently lit objects. By simply changing direction and shooting with the light, instead of against it, I'm left with a properly exposed image. I'll also let you in on a secret, window light is one of the most flattering lights out there! If you want to step up your selfie game, just head over to an evenly lit window and snap away. In the pictures below I literally picked Jones up and did a 180 degree pivot to take our picture. The light hitting our faces from the window is SO much more flattering and crisp compared to the other image. 

Horizon Lines

A horizon line is basically how you can tell if something is level or not - often referring to the horizon. (Shame on me for not paying attention to my horizon line in the above picture. You can tell by the window that the picture is not straight, but sometimes you have to sacrifice your lines when working with a toddler and then just fix them in post... which I did not do. haha!) To give you a really clear example, I snapped some pictures at the garden center at Home Depot while I was there the other day. (All that happy color was just calling my name!)

Having your horizon line straight makes the picture more professional and less like a snapshot. But luckily this is an easy one to fix if you mess it up. I have yet to see a phone that doesn't have some sort of editing program in it's photo app. You can straighten your image out and fix those lines! 

Even Light

If you haven't guessed it by now, lighting is everything. Photography literally means capturing light. Even light will help you achieve a smooth and crisp look to your photos. I had my cute pup, Scout sit outside for me while I snapped some example pictures; Direct light, mixed light, and full shade. 

Despite the sun being bright and Scout trying her hardest to keep her eyes open, the direct light does a good job of consistently lighting the areas it hits. It does leave a shaded part of her face out, and with the light being so bright and drastic, it makes for drastic shadows. The half shaded image is hard to know what to focus on. Unless doing it on purpose, a photograph should always be exposed and focused for the eyes. But with the uneven light you're drawn to Scout's nose and patch of white fur. It takes way too long for you to be looking at the picture before you notice her eyes. Lastly, full shade. This will be your go-to, saving grace every time. Everything is perfectly exposed, you can see detail and your eyes are instantly drawn to Scout's face. Plus if you're trying to get kids (or pets) to look at you, they will most likely cooperate when they can look up at you without being blinded. 

Break it Down

• Know the direction of light you are using.
• Watch those horizon lines - keep them straight.
• Opt for evenly lit areas vs partial. 

If you'd like to see more tips or have a certain set up you want help photographing, drop me a comment! I'd love to help!