Smartphone Photography
Written by Jacob Lam
Equipment you will need
We’ll walk you through a simple photography setup using your mobile phone camera, a camera stand, lighting, and a backdrop. Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to capturing beautiful images.
Materials Needed:
Mobile Phone with a Good Camera
Camera Stand or Tripod
Lighting Source (natural light or lamps)
Backdrop (a plain wall, fabric, or paper)
Choose Your Location
You can select a well-lit area for your photography setup. Natural light is ideal, so consider positioning yourself near a window during the daytime. If the sunlight is too harsh you may consider using a baking sheet to act as a diffuser to soften the light. If you’re shooting indoors, you can use softbox lighting to supplement the light. The benefit of modern softbox lighting is that it is very cheap and it comes with LED lighting that allows you to adjust the brightness as well as the colour temperature of the light. Helping you to achieve the ideal look you are going for.
If you’re using a softbox lighting, do experiment with their placement to achieve the desired lighting effect. If you do not want to buy a softbox you alternatively can consider using white bedsheets to soften the light.
Prepare Your Backdrop
Your backdrop should be simple and uncluttered to draw attention to your subject. You can use a blank wall, a piece of fabric, or even a roll of coloured paper. Hang or position it behind your subject.
You can choose to buy coloured paper with a simple stand to form a backdrop, all you can consider purchasing a textured backdrop to provide the illusion that the photo was taken on a marble countertop or next to a distressed concrete wall as we have done so in this setup.
Choose Your Location
You can select a well-lit area for your photography setup. Natural light is ideal, so consider positioning yourself near a window during the daytime. If the sunlight is too harsh you may consider using a baking sheet to act as a diffuser to soften the light. If you’re shooting indoors, you can use softbox lighting to supplement the light. The benefit of modern softbox lighting is that it is very cheap and it comes with LED lighting that allows you to adjust the brightness as well as the colour temperature of the light. Helping you to achieve the ideal look you are going for.
Adjust Camera Settings
On your mobile phone, open the camera app and experiment with the following settings:
- Focus: Tap on your subject to ensure it’s in focus.
- Exposure: Adjust the exposure setting to control the brightness.
- Gridlines: Use gridlines to help with composition.
- Timer: Set a timer to eliminate camera shake when pressing the shutter button.
Composition
Compose your shot carefully. Use the rule of thirds to create a balanced image. Experiment with angles and perspectives to capture unique and interesting shots.
Review and Edit
Take multiple shots of your subject. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different angles and settings. After capturing, review your photos to select the best ones.
If you want to enhance your photos further, consider using smartphone apps like Snapseed or Adobe Lightroom for editing. Adjust brightness, contrast, and color to achieve the desired look.
Conclusion
Creating stunning photography with a mobile phone is easier than you might think. By following these simple steps, you can elevate your photography skills and capture professional-looking images right from your smartphone. Remember to practice, experiment, and have fun with your newfound photography setup!
If you’re interested in taking your photography skills even further, we invite you to sign up for our exclusive in-shop training sessions. Our experienced business advisor will provide you with one-on-one guidance and hands-on training to help you master the art of mobile photography. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your photography skills and take your creativity to the next level. Contact us today to schedule your personalized training session!
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