Tips To Taking Great Photos On Your Iphone

Capturing beautiful moments with your children or family is one of the greatest joys of parenting. With smartphones becoming ubiquitous, parents have the perfect tools at their fingertips to document these precious memories. However, many parents may feel overwhelmed by the idea of photography or think that stunning photos require professional equipment. The good news is that stunning photographs can be taken with just a smartphone and a little guidance. In this article, we will share ten simple tips for parents to capture stunning photos on their phones, helping you create lasting memories effortlessly.

Tip 1: Use Natural Light to Your Advantage

Understanding Light Sources

Lighting is one of the most crucial elements in photography. Natural light often provides the best conditions for taking photos, making your subjects look vibrant and alive (even for selfies). Try to position your subjects so that they are facing a light source, such as a window or outdoor sunlight. Avoid harsh overhead lights or direct sunlight that can cast unflattering shadows on your subjects.

Soft, diffused light from an overcast day or during the golden hour—just after sunrise and before sunset—can help to enhance your images, however, avoid backlighting your subjects as the photos will not turn out the way your eyes see it.

Best Times of Day for Photos

Midday sun can be harsh and create deep shadows, so if you must shoot during this time, look for shaded areas. Alternatively, you can use the sun’s direction to create interesting silhouettes by positioning your subjects against the light.

Tip 2: Experiment with Angles

High and Low Angles

Changing your perspective can dramatically alter a photo’s impact. Instead of shooting from eye level, get creative with your angles. Try shooting from above or below your subject. A low angle can make your child appear larger than life, empowering them in the shot, while a high angle can capture a unique view of their world.

Experimenting with angles not only adds variety to your photos but also can help convey different feelings. For example, looking up towards your child can create a sense of wonder, while shooting from a higher angle can give a more playful, candid feel.

Unique Perspectives

Don’t hesitate to include unusual perspectives in your shots. Try to photograph your kids from behind, capturing their actions and the scenery in front of them. This approach can tell a compelling story and allows viewers to engage with the photograph on a deeper level.

Incorporating elements of the environment, such as trees, flowers, or everyday objects, can also add layers of interest and context to your images, making them more visually appealing.

Tip 3: Take Advantage of Editing Apps

Popular Editing Tools

After capturing your photos, editing them can enhance their overall quality. There are many editing apps available that cater to smartphone users, such as Snapseed, VSCO, and Adobe Lightroom Mobile. These applications provide a range of tools to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and even crop your images.

Many of these apps are user-friendly, making it easy for even the most novice photographers to improve their images with just a few taps. Don’t be afraid to explore different filters and adjustments to find a style that suits your photography aesthetic.

Simple Enhancements

While editing is important, it’s essential to keep it subtle. Over-editing can lead to unnatural-looking photos. Instead, focus on enhancing the natural beauty of your images. Simple adjustments like brightening shadows, adding warmth, or sharpening details can significantly improve your photos without making them look artificial.

Taking the time to edit your images can turn a good photo into a great one, allowing you to showcase your family’s moments in the best light possible.

Tip 4: Use the Rule of Thirds And Leveling Images Correctly

Understanding Composition

The rule of thirds is a fundamental principle in photography that can dramatically enhance your composition. Imagine dividing your image into a 3×3 grid. The goal is to place your subject along the grid lines or at their intersections. This technique creates balance and helps draw the viewer’s eye to the focal point of the image.

Using the rule of thirds can elevate the quality of your photos by providing a more dynamic composition. It encourages you to think critically about how you frame your subject and the surrounding elements in your shots.

Grid Lines on Your Phone

Most smartphones have grid line options within their camera settings. Enabling this feature can help you practice the rule of thirds while shooting. As you become accustomed to this technique, you’ll start to intuitively compose your photos more effectively, leading to improved results.

While the rule of thirds is a great guideline, feel free to break it occasionally for artistic effect. Sometimes, placing your subject in the center can create a powerful image, especially in portrait photography.

(this photos has dappled lighting through some trees to create a beautiful glow around the kids)

Tip 5: Play with Focus and Blur

Focusing on the Subject

Smartphones today often come with advanced focusing capabilities that allow you to emphasize your subject while blurring the background. This technique, known as shallow depth of field, draws attention to your subject, creating a more engaging image.

To achieve this effect, tap on the screen where your subject is located to focus. Many smartphones allow you to adjust the focus point, giving you more control over the resulting image. Experimenting with focus can help create a professional look in your family photos.

Creating a Dreamy Background

A blurry background can also impart a dreamy quality to your photographs, making them feel more artistic. To achieve this, try to separate your subject from the background by increasing the distance between them. The more distance there is, the more pronounced the blur effect will be.

This technique can be especially effective for portraits, where you want the focus to remain on the person while creating a beautiful, soft backdrop. Combining this with good lighting can result in stunning images that capture the essence of your family beautifully.

Conclusion

Capturing stunning photos with your smartphone is accessible to every parent, regardless of photography experience. By utilizing natural light, experimenting with angles, and incorporating creative techniques, you can document beautiful memories of your family’s journey. Remember to focus on emotional connections, have fun, and embrace the candid moments that make family life special.

With the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning collection of family memories that can be cherished for years to come. So grab your phone, get out there, and start capturing those magical moments!

The Most Asked Questions:

What is the best smartphone for photography?

The best smartphone for photography varies based on personal preference and budget. Popular options include the iPhone series, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models, which all offer excellent camera capabilities.

Do I need expensive editing software to enhance my photos?

No, there are many free and inexpensive editing apps available that provide powerful editing tools. Apps like Snapseed and lightroom are user-friendly and offer a range of features for enhancing your photos.

Is it better to take photographs in portrait or landscape mode?

It depends on the context! Portrait mode is ideal for capturing individuals, while landscape mode works well for group photos or scenic shots. Consider the composition and purpose of the photo when choosing your orientation.

 

(The photo above was taken with natural light on the right side of her face. If you want more light, you could face her more towards the light)

     *Be sure to check out more photos from my recent Paris brand session HERE