12 Tips on How to Capture Life’s Precious Moments Like a Pro with Your Smartphone

I wasn’t having it.

Years ago, a Best Buy sales guy tried to talk me into paying extra for a new smartphone with a crazy feature… a built-in camera.  

As an avid amateur photographer, I thought that was the dumbest idea I’d ever heard. Why would I want to use a camera on a phone when I have an actual camera that’s born to take great photos?!

To be fair, at that time, cell phone cameras were about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

But my, how times have changed! Now smartphone cameras are pretty remarkable and are the go-to way for millions to snap photos and videos.

The Key to Great Photography

One thing I’ve learned in my decades of being a photography nerd is this:

Taking great photos depends more on the photographer than the equipment.

You can take truly beautiful photos with your smartphone that are just as good as those from a super fancy mirrorless camera.

Below we’re going to give you some tips on how.

12 Tips for Taking Better Photos With Your Smartphone

Follow these tips so you’ll be ready if your 1-year-old grandson dives headfirst into his birthday cake or you want to share photos of your recent European cruise vacation with friends and family.

Here’s a fun and easy guide to help you capture those special moments with your smartphone.

Get to Know Your Phone

Every phone is a little different, so take some time to explore your camera settings. Open your camera app and play around with the different options.

Not sure where to start? Check an online guide for your specific phone model. Or, my favorite way to learn, search YouTube for videos about using your phone’s camera settings.

Better yet, ask a tech-savvy friend, family member, or neighbor for a quick rundown.

Take a Class

Why learn through trial and error when you can take a class? Many local senior centers offer photography classes tailored for older adults.

And again, YouTube is your friend where you’ll find plenty of free tutorials. These classes and tutorials can quickly boost your skills and confidence.

Prep Your Phone

One time, when I was still shooting with a film camera, I went out to capture the peak fall foliage. Only when I got home did I discover I had a roll of black and white film in my camera. ☹

Now, I always double-check things before I start snapping away!

For your smartphone, give your camera lens a quick wipe to remove any smudges. Also, check your camera settings and make sure your battery is charged, especially if you’re planning a longer photo session.

A clean lens and a fully charged battery can make a big difference!

Stabilize Your Camera

Shaky hands can lead to blurry photos. If your hands aren’t as steady as they used to be, consider using a tripod or a handheld stabilizer for your phone.

You can also get grips or rings for the back of your phone to make it easier to hold. In a pinch, resting your arm on something solid can help steady your shot.

Embrace Natural Light

The built-in flash on your phone can cause glare or wash out colors. Turn off the flash and use natural light instead.

Outdoor photos or positioning your subject near a window can give you softer, more flattering images. Early morning and early evening are great times for taking photos due to the soft light.

Experiment and Have Fun

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try different settings on your camera, like portrait or panorama modes.

Take a mix of headshots, full-body poses, and candid shots from different angles. The best part? You can delete any photos you don’t like without wasting film!

Edit Later

While it’s tempting to use filters or zoomZoom is a versatile video conferencing platform that enables users to connect and collaborate remote... More in on your subject while taking the photo, it’s often better to wait.

Editing your photos afterward allows you more freedom to crop and adjust without losing quality. Apps like Snapseed are amazing for enhancing your photos and bringing out the best in your shots.

Keep Practicing

If you don’t love your first few photos, don’t get discouraged. Keep practicing!

Carry your phone with you and take photos of everyday moments, whether it’s the beautiful grounds of your community or a fun outing with friends. The more you practice, the better you’ll get!

Show Off Your Work

Do you remember the days of having to sit through a slide show of someone’s vacation photos? They had to get out the projector, set up the screen, load the slides, etc. It was an hours-long affair that could be super painful to sit through!

Now, sharing photos is a snap (pun very much intended 😉

So be proud of your photos! Share them on social media, start an Instagram account, or even print them out to decorate your home.

Sharing your work with others can also provide valuable feedback and help you improve.

Always Be Ready

Great moments can happen at any time, so keep your phone handy. Practice quickly accessing your camera without unlocking your phone.

For iPhone users, swipe left from the home screen.

For many Android phones, tap the camera icon on the lock screen. This way, you won’t miss those spontaneous, adorable moments.

Use Burst Mode

Most smartphones have a burst mode that lets you take multiple photos in quick succession.

On an iPhone, press and drag the shutter button to the left or up, depending on the orientation.

On Android, drag the shutter toward the bottom of the screen.

This is perfect for capturing action shots or when you just want to make sure you get the perfect moment.

Focus on the Eyes

When taking portraits, focus on your subject’s eyes by tapping the screen where their eyes are.

If your subject is still, you can lock the focus by holding your finger on the screen. This ensures the eyes are sharp and the focal point of the image.

Wrapping It Up

Photography has come a long way since I started snapping photos with my 35mm film camera and then waiting days (if not weeks) to get the film developed.

Smartphone cameras today are truly amazing, and by following the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning photos with your smartphone.

So go ahead, snap away, and share those beautiful moments with the world!