How to take better photos on your phone
These days we’re all kinda photographers, right? Thanks to our cell phones? If you’re like me, you have thousands of photos saved on your phone. So, if this is how we’re going to document so much of our lives, let’s try to make them the best they can be! I wanted to share some of the things I think about when taking out my phone and pressing that little camera icon … while using images straight out of my own phone - completely unedited - as examples.
Be aware of where the light is
One of the biggest things to learn about when studying and practicing photography is lighting. I won’t go too deep into the weeds here, but I do want to point out how paying attention to where both the light and shade are is important. Below are a few examples of how not paying attention to light and shadows can make a photo look worse.
The first row of photos below are there to demonstrate how little tweaks can make a big difference. In the first two, my son and I were taking a selfie at the beach. The first one has the sun shining directly into the camera, making us less visible. In the second one, I moved the phone so that we were blocking the sun. You can see us so much better! In backlit situations (when the sun or light is behind the subject), a lot of times it can help to have something block the light (maybe it’s a tree, building, or even your subjects).
The second set is something I see a lot when the sun is behind you, so your subjects are facing the sun. You can see my shadow in the first photo. In the second, I bent down and moved the camera up a little so my shadow was out of the frame, and voila! Shadow no more!
The next several photos are more examples of different ways that the shadows take away from the photo. From placement of your body when you’re taking the photo, to placement of the people you’re taking a photo of, to placement of the phone itself - they’re all things to think about in terms of where the light and shadow is. Most of the time, a little move forward, backward, or holding the phone at a different angle can help a lot!
Pay attention to composition
What is composition, you ask? It’s essentially how the photo is arranged - it can include things like leading lines, symmetry, and framing of the image. A few questions that help me determine the composition when I’m taking cell phone photos are things like “what do I want to focus on?” or “what is the point of this photo?” Sometimes it might be the person, sometimes it might be the scene of where the person is.
Probably one of the biggest things I see and experience is centering your subject horizontally in the photo. If you’re not sure what I mean by that, please see some examples below.
I asked my son to take the first photo. I made it clear to him that I wanted the waterfall in the background, and this is what I got. I guess you could argue that you CAN see the waterfall, buuuuuut it’s not how I wanted it. The point of the photo for me was to see the magnificence of the waterfall itself. After reviewing, I set up the phone for him so all he had to do was keep it exactly where I held it, and press the button (the second photo). You’ll see how the first photo has my husband and I horizontally centered in the photo, so that WE are the focus, but I wanted it to showcase WHERE we were.
The second two photos where taken on some hanging bridges during a recent vacation. My husband captured a candid of me walking behind the boys on the bridge. Ok, great, thanks babe! He was doing what I asked of him and making sure that I was actually in some of the photos, rather than just taking all of them. The second was what I captured of the boys. Again, the first has me somewhat centered in the photo, but the second shows less of the bridge, and more of the trees and sky. Like, what's above the person’s height is more interesting that what’s below the person - usually ground.
I added in the last photo as a different example of composition. My sister and I were taking a selfie at the beach, but the sky was showing off that evening and we wanted more of that in the photo, so we used our faces/bodies to frame it and showcase the sunset. I love how it turned out. Composition is something you can play around with and see what you like!
Don’t over-zoom
Have you ever asked someone to take a photo of you, and when you hand them the camera they immediately zoom in to like 3.5x the size of the image? Yeah, me too. I know there’s a whole bunch of people who love the zoom, but I personally feel it’s used too much. Zoom can reduce the quality of your image. If you really want your subject to be closer, I recommend moving your body closer rather than zooming in. And before you zoom, ask yourself “what do I want to focus on this photo?” So many times, you want to get a photo of a family or a person and the beautiful background isn’t captured. All because someone zoomed. This is my PSA to use zoom with caution. :) Please see below for some examples of when we zoomed when we didn’t need to (or maybe, shouldn’t have). That first one bothers me so much! Why did they ask us to hold up the “It’s my first time at Red Rocks” sign if they were just going to zoom in and crop it out?!
When taking selfies, closer (to each other) is better
Always the photographer, I take a lot of selfies with others when I want to include myself in the photo. And in taking them, I’ve learned that the closer the people are, the better the photo looks. I think that’s all I have to say about that - see below and the let the photos speak for themselves! You can decide which ones you think look better.
You don’t need to wait until they’re standing and smiling at the camera to take the photo
I realize I’m a broken record about this, but seriously some of my favorite photos are the ones that I snap before or after people are standing and smiling. Better yet, go ahead and take the photo while they’re doing whatever they’re doing, rather than asking them to stop, smile, and start back up again. When you do this, you’re actually documenting what’s actually happening, instead of taking people out of the moment.
Other things to think about:
Make sure your camera lens is clean
Don’t be afraid to use the wide-angle to show more of the scene behind subjects
Play around with angles! I know a lot of people take photos from above, but it’s fun to capture from different vantage points to add interest
Tap on the person / thing you want to focus on
When you take several photos, try to take the time and go back to delete the ones you don’t want. It’ll save space on your phone and future confusion over which ones you liked best
I hope these help! By no means are these tips the end-all-be-all of cell phone photography, but they are things I think about when taking photos on my phone. So next time you pull out your phone to capture something, maybe you will too!
What is a lifestyle photographer?
There are numerous genres and styles in the photography world - fine art, branding, landscape, portrait, and so many more - each style serves a different purpose in telling stories. I’ve been calling myself a lifestyle photographer for a while now, and I realized … maybe people don’t know what that means? So I'm here to share a little bit about how I interpret it. In this blog post, I'll share my insights into what it means to be a lifestyle photographer and provide examples of my work in various contexts, including family, couples, newborn, and maternity photo sessions.
What is a Lifestyle Photographer?
As a lifestyle photographer, my mission is to capture moments that reflect your real-life experiences. Rather than relying on posed shots and studio settings, I want to document your lives in a natural and unobtrusive way. While I still help guide you when you’re in front of my camera, I strive to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere that allows people to be themselves. I work with both natural light and carefully chosen environments to capture genuine emotions, connections, and moments.
Family Photo Sessions
One of my favorite aspects of being a lifestyle photographer is working with families. Instead of formal portraits, I encourage families to interact, play, and be themselves during the shoot. This approach results in heartwarming images that truly reflect the love, laughter, and dynamics within the family.
For instance, imagine a family gathered together sharing stories, playing games, or reading together. My goal as a lifestyle photographer is to capture these candid moments of joy, creating a timeless family album filled with authentic memories.
Couples Photo Sessions
Couples in love hold a special place in my heart, and lifestyle photography allows me to capture their connection in a romantic and natural way. I encourage couples to express their love and affection in a genuine manner, resulting in intimate, emotional, playful, and joyful images - all within one session.
For instance, a couple's photo session might involve a romantic walk on the beach, a picnic by the lake, or simply cuddling at home with a cup of coffee or glass of wine. My focus is on their smiles and laughter, stolen glances, and gestures of affection (yes - I want as many hugs, kisses, and touches that you’ll give!), creating a visual narrative of their love.
Maternity Photo Sessions
Maternity photography is a celebration of the beauty and anticipation of pregnancy. As a lifestyle photographer, I aim to capture the natural glow and excitement of the expecting parent or parents in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
Picture a maternity session where a couple strolls through a serene garden, shares a quiet moment by a lakeside, or simply embraces in their cozy home. These images capture the love and excitement surrounding the upcoming arrival of their baby.
Newborn Photo Sessions
Newborn photography has evolved, and I am here for it! Instead of elaborate sets and props, I focus on capturing the tenderness and simplicity of those precious early moments with a newborn.
Imagine a lifestyle newborn session featuring a baby peacefully sleeping in their nursery, parents gently cradling their child, a mama nursing in her favorite chair, or siblings cuddling their new baby brother or sister. These images provide a heartwarming glimpse into the early days of a child's life.
As a lifestyle photographer, my role is that of a storyteller, using my camera to document the genuine moments, emotions, and connections that make life beautiful. Whether it's capturing the love between couples, the joy of a growing family, the innocence of a newborn, or the anticipation of pregnancy, lifestyle photography provides a unique and authentic perspective on life's most precious moments. So, if you're looking for a photographer who can freeze those real-life moments in time, let’s chat.
What to Wear for a Photo Session: Expressing Your Authentic Self
Two things I love: Photography and getting dressed. So naturally, it made sense for my first blog post to combine these two things! Capturing beautiful moments through the lens of a camera has always been a source of joy for me, just as clothing and my personal style has been a form of self-expression.
A photo session is an opportunity to capture special moments and create lasting memories. One of the key elements that can enhance the overall look and feel of your photos is your choice of clothing. In this blog post, I want to share with you some of my insights and ideas on what to wear for your session - ensuring that your clothing choices not only enhance the visual appeal of your photos but also serve as a reflection of your your personality and style. We'll explore some tips and considerations to help you dress appropriately for your session, while staying true to who you are.
Be coordinated, but not matching:
When planning outfits for a photo session involving multiple people, it's nice to coordinate your looks without being too matchy-matchy. Instead of everyone wearing the exact same outfit (i.e. the classic “white shirt and jeans” look), opt for a color palette that complements each other. Choose a couple of key colors and incorporate them into each person's ensemble. This will create a cohesive and visually-pleasing group photo without sacrificing individuality.
Consider the time of year and location:
The time of year and location of your photo session can greatly influence your clothing choices. For outdoor sessions in the summer, lighter fabrics and breathable materials are ideal to keep you comfortable in the heat - we don’t want you sweating through your clothes! In the fall or winter, layering can add depth and texture to your outfits while keeping you warm. Consider the surroundings and colors of your location as well. For instance, if you're shooting in a lush green garden, earthy tones or soft pastels may complement the setting beautifully. And please - no heels on the beach. They don’t go well together.
Mix and match patterns (with moderation):
Mixing and matching patterns can add visual interest and personality to your outfits! But we do want to strike the right balance here. Choose one or two main patterns and complement them with solid colors or smaller, more subtle patterns. This will prevent your outfits from appearing too busy or overwhelming in the photographs. Remember, the focus should be on you and your loved ones, not solely on your attire.
It’s ok to buy something new, but …:
Buying something new for your photography session is exciting, but remember to stay true to yourself. Make sure it’s something that speaks to your personal style and makes you feel like the fabulous individual you are. The goal is to feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, allowing your true self to shine through. Avoid choosing clothing that feels too out of character, because we want your photos to reflect who you really are.
Let your clothes reflect your authenticity:
Above all, let your clothes serve as an extension of your authenticity. They should capture your individuality, style, and the essence of your personality. We want you to be confident in what you wear, because when you're comfortable and genuine, it shines through in your photographs. Whether you prefer a casual and laid-back look or a more polished and refined style, embrace what feels authentic to you.
Ultimately, when it comes to dressing for a photo session, the key is to strike a balance between coordination and individuality. I encourage you to think about these things when preparing for your photo session. And if you’re unsure - reach out to me! Did I mention I LOVE photography and getting dressed? I’m always up for chatting about what would work best. (Or look over what some of my awesome clients wore here!) And we can work to create unforgettable photos that reflect the real you. So, dress to impress (yourself), and together, we’ll create images that look and feel like you!
