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?
Categories
Thank you for sharing these easy to follow tips with beginners like me 🙂
LikeLike
Really great advice and I will look into how I can change the settings on my iPhone 5S.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure! Goodluck and have fun Paul 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. I never took the time to check out manual vs. automatic modes but since reading this post it makes such a difference!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad to hear you found it helpful!
LikeLike
Thank you for the tips. I have a simple moto g4 phone but will try to use ur points to improve pictures.
LikeLike
I’m glad you found them useful. Have fun using it! 🙂
LikeLike
I like these tips. Will experiment more now.
LikeLike
I’m glad you like them. Have fun experimenting. Let me know how it goes! 🙂
LikeLike
A lot I knew, but reminders are always wonderful and appreciated.
LikeLike
Do you have a few I missed and can add next time? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe that you covered the basics very well, if I do think of something else, I will mention it.
LikeLike
Fantastic! Looking forward to it 🙂
LikeLike
thank you, I used all of these.
LikeLike
It’s my pleasure! I’m glad you found them useful. Which one did you find the most useful? 🙂
LikeLike
Simple and effective tips that will help me be more mindful in the future!
LikeLike
I’m glad you found them useful. Which one do you like the most? 🙂
LikeLike
Thankyou so much. Im a terrible photographer but I enjoy taking them and I certainly “see” a lot more now that I do that.,so thanks.
LikeLike
It’s my pleasure! I’m glad you found it useful 🙂 Have fun using them! Let me know how it goes!
LikeLike
Great photo taking tips this is fantastic
LikeLike
It’s my pleasure. I’m glad you found them useful! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person