1) Clean your lens
(Self-explanatory)
2) Manual mode
Usually, the white balance might do this to your sunset photos.
Because your phone is trying to balance out all the colors in order for it to look as ‘natural’ as possible. But that’s not what we want. We’re artists. We don’t want to be restricted by some nonsense.
That’s why it’s important to take the time to learn how to shoot in Manual.
Because if you do, you can achieve something like this.
You can get a similar outcome by changing your white balance to ‘cloudy’, or just by playing around with the white balance on your phone until you get your desired result.
3) Enable the grid lines
It’s an easy way to give you guidance. It helps with the rule-of-thirds. But don’t let it restrict you. It merely serves as a guide.
4) Exposure
Most phones usually overexpose photos. Make sure you adjust it manually to capture the picture you want.
5) Negative space
This can lead to more simplistic pictures which can look very pleasing.
6) Keep it simple
Allow it to be simple.
Don’t overwork it.
Don’t overthink it.
Allow mother nature to be the true artist. Allow her to do the work. You’re just the photographer.
When we’re young or new to a craft, we tend to overwork it. Because we’re given all this information, all this knowledge, all this skill – and we feel we have to use all of it.
But if you look at the true great artists of the world, they make it look so simple don’t they?
They just allow it to be simple.
– Inspired by Marco Pierre White
7) Leading lines
A leading line helps guide a viewer’s eye. This is usually done in the form of a road or river, but there are many ways to do this. Just get creative.
8) Avoid zooming in
This can make your photo very pixelated. Try to avoid it. If you must – do it very slightly.
Unless your phone has a telephoto lens(it allows you to zoom in without losing quality), then, by all means, enjoy zooming in.
9) Perspective
You’re taking photos. You’re creating art. Don’t place yourself in a box. Use your imagination. Shoot-up, -down, -sideways. Get on the ground. Climb a tree. Get creative.
10) External macro lens
Buy the cheapest external macro lens you can find. It usually comes with two lenses. One is a macro lens, the other a wide-angle lens.
You can have fun with both, but I enjoy the macro lens the most.
I’ll leave you with these final words.
Experiment more, copy less.
“You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits…” – Auguste Gusteau
Once again, what you’re creating is ART.
-
the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination.
Share your photos on the wandering ambiverts Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wanderingambiverts
Confused by some photography terminology? Here’s a list of photography jargon.
If you found this helpful, here are 5 photography tips for beginners.
Learn about developing your eye for detail.
Thinking about which camera you should buy to begin photography?
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Hannes van Eeden 
Very insightful
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Thank you so much for these tips. I’m a lover of photography!
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It’s such a pleasure, Felin!
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Thank you so much for the details, glad to see that you are also interested in photography…I wish to do a professional photograph course as my hobby after my
studies are over…
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Best of luck with your studies! I’m sure you’ll enjoy a course in photography 😀
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These were helpful! Thank you! I was wondering if you had tips on using a phone to photograph small product photos on a white background, like jewelry. Mine always look awful and unprofessional (well, I’m not a professional but whatever closest I can get on a Samsung A71..).
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Get a piece of white A4 paper, or bigger. Find a table or desk that’s against a wall. Tape the top of the paper to the wall and the bottom to the desk. Don’t fold the paper 90 degrees. Make sure there’s a slope, this gives the illusion of infinite space behind your jewelry.
Most importantly is your lighting. Get a desk lap, something like out of any Pixar movie. It needs to be light you can direct, not just a lightbulb that’s shining in every direction. Now you’ll have to play around with the lighting until you’re happy with the results.
If you’re using your phone, I’d recommend zooming in at least 2x. That will give the jewelry a flat look, which is more realistic to what your eye sees.
Definitely bring down your phone’s exposure when you’re taking the photos.
Edit with Snapseed.
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Thank you so much for the detailed info! Will definitely do that. 😁 Normally I dread trying to take these kinds of pics, but now I’m excited. I appreciate it so much 🙏
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It’s a pleasure! It can be so much fun though! Does it have to be on a white background?
It can be even more fun if you’re able to place the jewelry between certain objects, or place flowers around it, or even photograph it on someone. That opens up a world of infinite creative possibilities. 🙂
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So true…don’t have anyone I can use, but I’ll see if I can dredge up a decent looking setup..🤔
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Have fun with it 🙂 Pinterest is full of ideas.
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Very helpful tips! Thank you for sharing.
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It’s my pleasure! I’m glad you found them useful!
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Great tips – thank you!
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It’s my pleasure Liza! 🙂
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Nice tips!
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I’m glad you found them helpful! 🙂
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