To make things easy for your scrolling - here is what we will be covering in this guide:
The camera function is, without a doubt, a big part of the smartphone experience. An average iPhone user takes 2100 photos a year whereas Android users take an average of 1332 photos - which means smartphone users use their cameras a lot. However, it can sometimes be daunting understanding the difference between the various smartphone cameras so here is a quick 101.
Smartphone cameras are supposed to be the most versatile camera without getting too complex. Although there are multiple different layers and complexities to camera lenses - most people want to be able to understand and compare the different smartphone cameras using few parameters.
One commonly used component when it comes to comparing smartphone cameras is megapixel count. The higher megapixel it is - the more detailed it will be. A high megapixel count will make cropping or zooming way better because the camera has managed to capture more details. However, megapixels do not tell the full story. For your convenience, we made a list of the six most important camera features which you can find here (link: six different features...)
Ok, with the different components being straightened out - here is how you set yourself up for a good start!
Getting things right from the beginning will always be better than hours of editing. Learning some smartphone tricks will help you avoid for example the classic mistake of accidentally shaking your camera (Link to: How to hold you camera to avoid shake movement). Another key component to getting it right from the beginning is to pay attention to the composition. For example, make sure you straighten up horizontal lines, make use of the rule of thirds and focus on simplicity.
If you are completely new to the photography scene, maybe consider following:
Check out this post (Link to existing post:7 tips to master smartphone...) to find out more tips and tricks when it comes to smartphone photography.
Getting things right from the beginning will always be better than hours of editing.
Case and screen protector
A very small investment in the grand scheme of things - a phone case and a screen protector. Also, get it the same day as you get your phone. There’s really no time to be wasted!
Portable chargers
If you are often out and about - this an absolute must. An extra portable charger will especially help you who often are out hiking, camping or traveling.
Lenses
Some of the main reasons why an external lens might be a good idea are:
There are so many options out there in terms of smartphone camera lenses. Telephoto, wide angle, macro, fisheye - there are many out there. For more information click here to read an extensive list of lenses.
Stabilizer
A stabilizer helps you avoid getting those shaky video clips. Besides removing all bumps in your video - they also create a more cinematic feeling. However, you might need some practice to really master this smartphone equipment.
Tripods
Tripods should be your go-to when you want to get more stable photos. There are so many different variations so it depends on what you want to use it for. Online reviews seem to praise the Gorilla Tripod - one of the reasons being it is very good with uneven surfaces. However, there are lots of other options - so perhaps check out some reviews that are out there.
There are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to photography - we listed the most essential ones:
DOS
DON’TS
You can do pretty much anything when it comes to editing your photos. There are endless options - fixing a tilting horizon, a wall or maybe some buildings. However, it is almost impossible to edit your way out of a poor photo. There is also such thing as over-editing, especially when it comes to news photography. What is true or not in a photo can sometimes be tricky to tell when you have so many photo editing options. We listed some good pointers what kind of editing is okay when it comes to news photography (Link to: How to enhance your photo in post production)
Some of the most common mistakes in photo editing:
So with this in mind, there are some apps out there that are particularly good when it comes to photo editing. Here are our favorites:
Lightroom
Lightroom Mobile is, perhaps not so surprising, the mobile version of Adobe Lightroom. It is for free - unless you want the option of synchronizing it with your desktop version of Lightroom. If you want the two connected then you will have to fork out a smaller price for it.
Lightroom Mobile acts like a one-stop shop, where you can shoot, edit and post content - all with one app. You can play around with advanced adjustments or go down to nitty-gritty details by doing local adjustments where you can change the exposure, brightness and many other editing tools. The local adjustments tool, however, is a paid feature.
VSCO
VSCO is another popular photo app. In fact, VSCO expands from just an editing app - it is also a photography community (much like Instagram). Whether or not you engage in the community or solely use the application for editing purposes - there is a lot you can do! Some features are subscription-based, meaning you would have to pay to get access to some of the exclusive options. However, even with the free version, you get a lot.
Snapseed
Depending on the level of time and effort you want to put into your phone editing, Snapseed allows you to dig real deep into their tools and helps you create the best possible photos on the go. Some say that it is a service more so for professional photographers - but really anyone can with time and trials get comfortable with Snapseed.
Slow Shutter
A great tool that helps you capture movements! Perfect for when you want to capture subjects in motion - maybe a train, ocean waves or maybe a crowd of people walking. If the 2€ cost makes you slightly hesitant - check out the hashtag #slowshuttercam on Instagram. That should solve your worries.
Boom, now you’re all set to put your work out in the world - or at least you have something to start with.
