REFINED EDUCATION
3 Tips For Better Mobile Photos
Most of us go through our day-to-day lives with a little camera in our pocket. We’re able to quickly document some of life’s sweetest moments (without pulling out the “big camera” or setting up a photo shoot). Photography is no longer about having the right gear, but rather being able to use whatever camera you have at the moment to create the imagery you envision.
So how do you create better photos when you’re working with your phone? Here are 3 of our best tips to get you started:
Natural light is every photographer’s best friend, especially when it comes to mobile photography. Mobile cameras don’t do as well with adjusting exposure and lens flares so you should always gravitate towards even, natural light when you pull out your phone.
If you’re shooting indoors:
Turn off interior lights to avoid extra warmth from tungsten lights.
Place your subject near a window and face them towards the light to avoid deep shadows.
Natural light leaves a nice whites in the entire image.
Tungsten light leaves warm yellow light on subject.
If you’re shooting outdoors:
Find open shade out of the harsh sun for a softer look.
Shoot during golden hour (an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset) but make sure you don’t shoot directly at the sun to avoid backlighting.
Full sun blows out the highlights and creates hard shadows.
Open Shade evens out the shadows and softens the highlights on mobile images.
Finding the right angle is key to a good mobile photo. Unless you’re shooting a traditional flat lay, try to get on the same level as the subject for a more direct and professionally composed image.
For example, if you are taking a picture of your child picking a flower (or favorite crouch down or get on your knees to shoot directly. You’d be surprised by how a simple angle change can take your phone photo from basic to scroll-stopping.
Standing position looking down on subject.
Crouching or kneeling to get even level with subject.
Standing position looking down on subject.
Crouching or kneeling to get even level with subject.
Mobile Presets are incredibly easy to use and allow you to edit on the go! Whether you are a professional photographer or simply want to beautify the photos on your camera roll, mobile presets allow you to elevate your images with a click of a button (no extensive editing expertise required). You don’t need a fancy camera or even to consider yourself a “photographer” to create mobile images that you’re proud of, presets make it effortless.
If you ARE a professional, Mobile Presets will give you consistency between your social posts and professional work. Not to mention, the Lightroom Mobile app gives you the same editing flexibility of Lightroom Desktop so you can make precise and consistent edits, quickly.
Ready for better mobile photos? Shop our Mobile Presets Collection and showcase your creativity with editing tools that save time and elevate your look with timeless beauty.
Interested in submitting a session to the REFINED Co Journal. Email us at hello@refinedco.com
