Surprising predictions part 4

 10 Top Photography Tips and Tricks for Smartphone Users

Today, we celebrate World Photography Day! You may think you’re an amateur photographer, but what do you know about taking photos with your smartphone? Luckily, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you take your smartphone photography skills to the next level. Here are 10 top photography tips and tricks that every smartphone user should know about.

1) Remember the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is one of the most basic composition rules in photography, yet it's also one of the most important. The rule of thirds is simply a guideline which suggests that an image should be divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, so that there are nine parts. The four points where the lines intersect are usually where the eye is drawn first. To use the rule of thirds, simply align your subject along one of the lines or at one of the points where they intersect. For example, if you have a person standing with their back to the camera, place them on either side of the horizontal line. In addition to using the rule of thirds when composing shots, try experimenting with different angles and perspectives. Shoot from low angles to make things look larger than life; shoot from high angles to create greater depth and interest; shoot from left angles for something different; shoot from right angles for symmetry. Shoot photos close up for great detail or far away to show more context. Experiment with focal lengths: Wide-angle lenses can exaggerate distance between objects by making everything look closer together (which can be useful when shooting landscapes) while telephoto lenses compress distances between objects by bringing everything closer together (making these lenses ideal for portraits). These tips will help you get started but mastering composition takes time and practice. Keep snapping photos and eventually you'll know instinctively what makes a good photo. Most importantly, don't forget to snap a lot of photos! The best way to improve your photography skills is through experience and experimentation. Don't settle for just one shot - take as many as possible until you find the perfect angle, lighting and perspective. Happy World Photography Day! There's no better day to share some tips and tricks for smartphone users looking to become better photographers. You may not think smartphones count, but over half of all digital photographs taken are now captured on mobile devices. Here are 10 top photography tips and tricks for smartphone users: 1) Remember the rule of thirds - Use this rule to divide your image into three equal sections and position your subject along any vertical or horizontal line created by the intersection of two lines within this grid structure. 2) Experiment with different angles and perspectives - Play around with how you frame a scene before you actually take the photo. Consider taking pictures from different heights, whether that means getting down really low or climbing up high somewhere to capture a more expansive view.

2) Take a vertical shot

One of the best photography tips for smartphone users is to take a vertical shot. This can be done by holding your phone up vertically and taking a picture. This will help you get a better angle on your subject and make your photos look more professional. Here are some other top tips and tricks for smartphone photography -Use your flash as fill light: Taking photographs in low light situations can be difficult, but with smartphones there’s an easy fix! Turn off the flash and use it as a fill light instead. The fill light will give your photo a nice effect while also illuminating what you’re trying to capture. 

-Take portrait shots with one hand: If you want to take portrait shots, don’t try to do it with two hands like how people usually do it with cameras! It’s much easier if you use one hand—one hand should hold the camera in place, while the other hand grabs onto the person being photographed so they stay still during the process. And remember to keep fingers spread wide and aligned along the edges of the lens. Get close: To improve your photos, it's important that you get close to what you're photographing. Most photographers would tell you that this is probably the most important thing when capturing good quality images with your smartphone. Get up close to someone's face or the details of their clothing; or focus in on a small object like an insect or flower; anything that brings out detail in each image. -Have fun: Last but not least, have fun with your pictures! Have fun with the creativity of it all. That way, even if you have a bad photo, at least you had fun doing it. You could also consider using Instagram filters or editing apps such as Facetune or VSCO. These programs allow you to manipulate your images, giving them a new and different feel. They're perfect for getting creative with your photography.

-Tilt the camera: Tilt the camera to create geometric lines and triangles. Tilting the camera down creates parallel lines that move away from each other, which can create interesting effects depending on what you’re photographing. Tilting it upwards creates perpendicular lines which move towards each other. Both of these options are great because they make your image seem more dynamic, similar to something found in a painting or illustration than just another snapshot taken with a standard point-and-shoot camera.

3) Get close, but don’t get too close

It’s important to get close to your subject when taking a photo, but you don’t want to get too close. The best way to avoid getting too close is to use the zoom feature on your phone. If you don’t have a zoom feature, try moving closer to your subject until they fill up the frame. Another trick is to point your camera down or up so that it doesn't look like you're pointing at them from head-on. 

There are a few other things you can do with your camera's settings that will help improve your photos. One option is using smart blur or selective focus modes, which will allow you to focus on one thing in the background while blurring out everything else in the foreground. 

Another setting that may be helpful if you're having trouble capturing fast-moving subjects is HDR mode, which stands for High Dynamic Range photography. HDR mode captures different levels of light in one picture, helping capture more detail and a wider range of colors than regular pictures would allow for. Many people find the timer function to be really helpful because it allows them to take a selfie without anyone else being in the photo. To activate this setting, go into your camera app and tap Settings. From there, scroll all the way down until you see Timer where you'll be able to select how long you want the timer to wait before snapping a photo. You can also set up how many shots will be taken before it stops clicking by tapping Shots. 

Another great tip is to change your default camera app. Changing the default application means that every time you open your phone, instead of opening an app that isn't used often (like Safari), it opens something useful (like Instagram). You can easily change your default camera app by going to Settings > Apps > Camera > Choose Default App. 

There are also some tricks you can use on the actual screen of your smartphone to take better photos: 

1) Make sure you hold your phone as still as possible. Movement causes blurry photographs, especially if it's windy outside. Try propping up your arm against a wall or leaning against a table; whatever helps stabilize you is perfect! 2) Get creative with angles: Try tilting the lens towards the ground for an interesting perspective, or use an upward angle from below someone’s chin for another unique view! It might seem weird at first, but once you start experimenting with new perspectives, you'll discover that there are so many possibilities. Experimenting is part of what makes taking selfies so fun--and sometimes it results in some really cool new ones.

The camera on your smartphone does a lot of the work for you when it comes to editing photos, which is great since everyone has their own preferences about what kind of filters they like to use. The downside? There are a ton of options available and sometimes it's hard to know which ones will work best. Thankfully, apps exist that offer free editing software through the Google Play Store such as VSCO Cam and Lightroom Mobile.

4) Remove filters from your camera lens

One of the best ways to improve your smartphone photography is to remove the filter from your camera lens. This will allow more light to reach the sensor, resulting in better photos. Plus, it'll help you avoid those pesky glare spots. Here's how to do it First, go into Settings on your phone and select General. Scroll down until you see Accessibility and tap on that. Then scroll down until you see Vision (this might be different depending on what model phone you have). There should be a toggle switch that says Color Filters. Simply slide this switch to off! That's all there is to it. After this step, please restart your phone and you're good to go. As an extra bonus tip: make sure that whenever possible, when taking pictures, hold your hand as steady as possible while pushing the shutter button with a firm press. Also, consider using an app like Manual Camera which allows you to manually adjust exposure settings before taking the photo

5) Experiment with depth of field

One way to really make your photos pop is to experiment with the depth of field. This means playing around with what's in focus and what's not. A good way to do this is by using the portrait mode on your phone. This will help you blur the background and make your subject stand out. To get the best results, try to keep your subject close to the camera and the background as far away as possible. You can also try using objects in the foreground to create a sense of depth. Try taking pictures of flowers or any other small object that sits just above your hands. If you want something a little more complex, find something that has both an object closer to the camera and an object farther away. Experiment with both distance (move back or forward) and angle (change the height) until you find one that works well. 

If you're into portraiture photography, portraits have become even easier thanks to new technology like AR filters which let you add cool effects like changing skin tone or making someone appear taller. Plus, since they work well with people who are close up to the camera, they're perfect for selfies! With this type of filter, you'll be able to choose from several different categories, including aging yourself or adding fun backgrounds like cartoons. So go ahead and take a selfie today - it'll be worth it! If you're looking for more creative ideas, here are 10 top photography tips and tricks that we found useful when capturing our favorite moments:

1. Slow Shutter Speed 2. Close-ups 3. Low Light Photos 4. Composition 5. Horizon Line 6. Background 7. Rule of Thirds 8. Vignetting 9. Black & White Photos 10. Camera Props

6) Use natural light whenever possible

1. Use natural light whenever possible. It's the best light to use for photography, and it's free!

2. If you're indoors, try to position yourself near a window.

3. Consider the time of day when taking photos outdoors. The lighting will be different in the morning than it is in the evening.

4. Use the grid feature on your phone's camera to help you compose your shots.

5. Pay attention to the background of your photos. A busy background can be distracting and take away from the main subject of the photo.

6. Use portrait mode for close-up shots of people or objects. This mode blurs the background and makes the subject stand out more. 7. Get creative with depth of field: Learn how to adjust the depth of field so that only part of an image is in focus while other parts are blurry. Depth of field can be used as a way to emphasize what's important within an image, by bringing certain elements into focus while keeping others blurred. Experiment with this technique by adjusting the aperture size. 

1) Open your camera app and select Portrait Mode. 

2) Select a subject in the foreground that is at least four feet away from anything else in the frame. 

3) Select Live view on your screen to get a better idea of what you're capturing before you snap the shot. 

4) Adjust the aperture size until only one element (your foreground subject) is still visible and then press Take Photo. You may need to experiment with different sizes to find which one works best for you. 

5) Practice using filters on your phone camera: One of the easiest ways to achieve different looks and effects is through the use of filters, many of which are available on most smartphones. You can play around with them until you find ones that work well for each type of photo you're trying to capture—for example, black and white might be good for outdoor shots where colors might not show up as vividly. Once you've selected a filter, be sure to scroll all the way down to see all its options.

8. Know your phone's camera limits: Some phones have better cameras than others. If you have a newer iPhone model or another high-end smartphone, take advantage of its quality lens and larger pixels for sharper images in low light settings. And if you happen to have a higher-resolution device, such as the iPhone XS Max or Samsung Galaxy S9+, check out the Pro mode for even more control over your shots. It's easy to switch back and forth between modes so you don't miss any great photo opportunities. 1) Launch your camera app and choose a mode. 

2) Press Live View to preview the scene, set exposure levels (the left dial controls brightness), shutter speed (the right dial controls speed), and ISO level. Press Auto to let the camera decide these values automatically. Then press Take Photo. 

3) When you're done shooting in Pro mode, exit it by pressing Cancel on the right side of the screen.

7) Make use of your settings

We all know that smartphones are capable of taking some pretty amazing photos. But did you know that there are a few settings that can help you take even better pictures? Here are 10 top photography tips and tricks for smartphone users. First, make sure your camera app is set to auto mode. Second, turn on the grid lines in your camera app so that it’s easier to compose shots with straight lines and right angles (so they look more professional). Third, be sure to tap on the small circles at the bottom of your screen before you snap a photo – this will allow your phone to adjust for light levels and give you an idea of what’s in focus in the shot. Fourth, use filters when possible! They can do wonders for the mood or look of a photo. Fifth, consider downloading apps like Photo Pusher which allows you to edit your images after they’ve been taken. The app has preset filters that automatically balance color, contrast, saturation and exposure in your photo. Sixth, utilize natural lighting whenever possible. It doesn't matter if you're inside or outside - as long as there's enough natural light to work with (e.g., not just fluorescent lights), you'll get great results! Seventh, try shooting from different perspectives by crouching down low to the ground or getting up high off the ground by standing on something higher than where you want to shoot from. Eighth, don't forget about those self-timer features built into many cameras - selfie lovers rejoice! Set the timer for 3 seconds, count down, and then strike a pose! Ninth, experiment with depth of field. If you have trouble understanding depth of field (how much of your picture will be in focus) check out this blog post on how to capture crisp photographs regardless of distance. Finally, think about cropping any unneeded background elements out of your picture before uploading it to social media sites or sharing it elsewhere online. A good rule of thumb is to avoid posting anything that includes people without their permission. Even if you got their consent first, once someone shares your content on their feed without tagging you or giving credit, it becomes public domain. Keep in mind that once a photo has gone viral, its original context can change significantly. For example, Kim Kardashian shared one person's candid snapshot of them and Kanye West kissing at Coachella without giving credit to the photographer who took the image. Not only was the photographer upset, but the image was used to generate fake news stories that added to a racist stereotype of black women. Bottom line: If you plan on sharing a photo on social media, tag the author and give credit to them.

8) Vary your subject matter

1. Get closer to your subject. The average smartphone camera has a focal length of around 35mm, so getting close will help you fill the frame and make your subject stand out.

2. Use the rule of thirds. This composition technique involves mentally dividing your frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically, then placing your subject along those lines or at the intersections.

3. Use leading lines. Leading lines are any type of line that leads the eye into the frame, such as a road, a river, or even a set of stairs. Positioning your subject along these lines can create a sense of depth and movement in your photo.

4. Pay attention to light. Good lighting can make or break a photo, so try to take advantage of natural light whenever possible. If it's overcast outside, open up your blinds or head outside and wait for the sun to peek through the clouds. If you're inside with artificial light, position yourself next to a window so that sunlight shines on your subject without shining directly in their face. And if all else fails, invest in some good lighting! Fluorescent lights work well because they produce cool blue tones which can add an interesting effect to photographs taken indoors. Experiment with different hues (like warm yellow) if you want something more distinctive. 5. Invest in a tripod. One great way to avoid blurry photos is by using a tripod - this works especially well when shooting portraits from farther away. But don't let the need for a tripod stop you from taking shots from afar; instead, use lower shutter speeds to compensate and avoid shakey shots. 

6. Always be ready for anything! There's no telling what could happen, so always have your phone ready to go by either having it handy or putting it on silent mode before you snap your shot - this also makes sure that there won't be any sudden flashes disrupting other people nearby when you take pictures indoors or outdoors at night time. 7. Don't be afraid to experiment! A lot of times the best photography takes risks and challenges conventions, so feel free to play around with settings until you find what suits your needs best. It might seem intimidating at first, but if it means you'll end up with better quality photos than usual, isn't it worth the extra effort? You'll never know how many creative opportunities you've missed out on until you start experimenting with your camera phone and applying these simple tricks.

9) Take advantage of accessories, including tripods and remote controls

1. Invest in some accessories to help improve your photography. A tripod can be a great way to stabilize your camera, especially in low-light situations. Remote controls can also be helpful, allowing you to take photos from a distance or with a timer.

2. Use the rule of thirds when composing your shots. This means dividing your frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and placing your subject off to the side or at one of the intersections. This can help create more interesting and balanced photos.

3. Pay attention to lighting. Natural light is usually best, but if you're using artificial light, try to avoid harsh fluorescent bulbs. Instead, opt for softer, warmer light sources.

4. Experiment with different angles and perspectives. Try taking pictures at eye level, above eye level, or below eye level. You might want to use a phone mount that allows you to get high up or down low without having to physically climb on top of something or lie on the ground (check out our new Podo stand!). 5. Share your photos as soon as possible! If it's really important that you share them later, save them in your photo library first and then upload them after they've been shared. 6. Explore editing tools! There are so many options available these days—even within most mobile photo apps—so find what works best for you and start experimenting! As smartphones continue to become even more powerful, they’ve become an essential part of our everyday lives. They’re not just devices we carry around with us; they’re like extensions of ourselves. And because they’re always on us, we tend to use them for everything—including capturing moments big and small alike. 

But when it comes to snapping photos, not all smartphones are created equal. They come equipped with various cameras with varying levels of quality depending on the brand and model you purchase. And while there are plenty of features and functions that make each one unique, sometimes all you need is a simple tweak here or there in order to turn those good photos into great ones!

10) Practice makes perfect

1. Always carry your phone with you. You never know when you'll see something worth snapping a photo of.

2. Keep your lens clean. A dirty lens will affect the quality of your photos.

3. Learn the basics of composition. This will help you take better photos, no matter what you're taking a picture of.

4. Use the rule of thirds. This is a great compositional tool that can help you take more interesting and visually appealing photos.

5. Experiment with different angles and perspectives. Don't be afraid to get creative!

6. Use natural light whenever possible. It makes for much better photos than using flash does.

7. Edit your photos before you post them online or share them with others. Adding filters or cropping are two ways to edit photos. 

8. Make sure you have plenty of storage space on your phone before taking a lot of pictures. It's not fun when you don't have enough space for any new pictures because it filled up too quickly! 

9. Save some space by turning off auto-uploading to cloud storage apps like Google Photos and iCloud Photo Library, which will store all your pictures automatically in the cloud if turned on. Instead, save those apps for things like videos, which are larger files and won't fill up your phone as quickly. 10. And finally, capture the moments you want to remember with a camera app that supports unlimited high-quality photo uploads so they can last forever. That way they won't disappear after 30 days (or whatever period of time is set) and you'll always have access to them! In this day and age, photography isn't just about capturing moments - it's also about preserving memories. The best way to do that? Capture life through smartphone cameras! For many, our phones have become extensions of ourselves; we use them every day, usually at least once per hour. With such constant use, there are bound to be times where our smartphone takes a fall onto the ground or water spills on it. But since our phones contain an irreplaceable amount of data about us, meaning everything from notes we took throughout the day to messages we sent and received from friends - these accidents should never happen. So here are some tips to ensure your device remains unharmed and continues serving its purpose: 

• Purchase a waterproof case: If you're not into getting one of those bulky cases for fear of it taking away from the sleekness of your phone, go ahead and buy one that's waterproof. There are tons out there on Amazon! 

• Get insurance: Many smartphones offer this service now. If yours doesn't already come with it, consider getting an insurance plan to protect yourself against accidental damage. Insurance plans vary between providers, but most cover two incidents in one year free of charge. So even if you've already used up both incidents during the first year, chances are you'll make another mistake next year anyway!