How To Take Great Photos With Your Phone?
How To Improve Your Phone Photography?
Improving your phone photography can be achieved through various methods, but let's focus on the two most significant approaches.
The first method involves utilizing your phone's Pro Mode, while the second method revolves around Editing your photos.
What is Pro Mode?
Pro mode is a feature on your phone's camera app that lets you control various camera settings that can influence the exposure and overall aesthetic of your photos. Think of it as operating your camera in manual mode.
How to Switch to Pro Mode?
To access Pro Mode, open your camera app, locate the "More" section, and select "Pro".
💡Tip
Each phone has a unique interface, yet they all follow the same logic.
If your camera lacks a Pro Mode, don't worry. You can download applications from your app store to get the same functionality.
An excellent starting point is ''Lightroom'', an app that's primarily for editing but also doubles as a camera app, as we'll explore later.
If you'd like to use Lightroom as a camera, simply head to the "Edits" section and tap on the camera icon. Just make sure you're in Pro Mode.
What Settings Can You Adjust in Pro Mode?
In Pro Mode, you can adjust settings like:
- Shutter Speed (S)
- ISO
- White Balance (WB)
- Metering Mode
- Focus Mode (Automatic or Manual)
- Exposure Value (EV)
- Lens/Focal Length (if your phone has multiple lenses)
💡Tip
Some phones allow you to choose from 2-3 fixed Apertures. These phones are usually on the more expensive side.
How to Use Pro Mode
To get started, adjust the exposure settings. In a well-lit environment, begin with a low ISO around 100, and then set your desired Shutter Speed. If your photo looks too dark, increase the ISO. Also, if you want to change the mood of the photo, try adjusting the White Balance.
The possibilities are endless. Your imagination is your only limit.
Creative Ways to Use the Pro Mode
Pro Mode serves as a tool to express your creativity. There are certain situations where using Pro Mode can significantly enhance your photography.
Long Exposure Photography
You can capture long exposures of almost anything: waterfalls, the sea, moving cars, or even stars.
To do this, stabilize your phone on a tripod or a steady surface. Focus on your subject, set your ISO to 100 and experiment with Shutter Speeds around 3- 5 seconds.
Depending on the subject and the lighting conditions, keep adjusting your shutter speed until you're satisfied with the result.
Enhanced Sunset and Dusk Photos
With the Pro Mode, you have the opportunity to enhance your sunset and dusk photos. To do this, switch to Pro Mode and once you've set the exposure you want navigate to the White Balance setting.
Choose the Custom White Balance option and adjust the slider based on the aesthetic you desire for your photos.
Editing your Photos
Once you've taken your photos, the next important step is editing.
Editing offers you a second chance to show your style. This is where you can give your photos the aesthetic you want and make them uniquely yours.
💡Tip
It is highly recommended to edit your photos, but it's not a must. If you're satisfied with how a picture turned out when you took it, there's no need to edit it.
The Right App for Photo Editing
Lightroom stands out as one of the most widely used and effective apps for editing photos.
Start with the free version where you can make exposure adjustments, color grading, sharpening and more. Only upgrade if you feel it's necessary. The free version is powerful enough, especially if you're taking your first steps into photo editing.
Lightroom logo displayed below.
In conclusion
You can improve your phone photography by utilizing the Pro Mode. With Pro Mode, you have the ability to manually adjust your camera settings.
Additionally, you can give your photos your own special touch by editing them with Lightroom.
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