You don’t need a professional camera to capture a photo worth hanging on your wall. Today’s smartphones are more than capable, it’s simply a case of knowing a few tricks. If you’ve ever wondered how to take good photos on your phone, these practical tips will help.
Look for the light. Natural light makes all the difference. Step outside, or position your subject near a window. Morning and late afternoon usually give the softest results, while harsh midday light can wash things out. Indoors, turn off overhead bulbs if you can and use side lighting instead for depth.
Think about composition. One of the easiest ways to improve phone photography is with the “rule of thirds”: imagine your screen divided into nine squares and place your subject along those lines rather than dead centre. Don’t worry about filling the frame, leaving space around your subject often makes the image stronger.
Keep it clear. Clean your lens before you shoot, and hold your phone steady to avoid blur. Propping it on a ledge or gently pressing the shutter button (rather than jabbing at it) can help.
Edit lightly. A little cropping, brightness or contrast adjustment is usually all you need. Heavy filters can quickly date a photo and distract from the moment itself.
The best photos to frame aren’t always staged or perfect, they’re the ones that make you pause when you look back. If an image feels meaningful on your phone, it will almost certainly look even better in a frame.