We’ve all been there when we’re getting ready for vacation and trying to decide what to pack. Do you bring your camera or will just your cellphone work? Honestly, most phones these days have higher quality cameras so they take great pictures. Here are my best tips for taking pictures with your cellphone so you have one less thing to keep up with.
- Clean the lens! Especially when in selfie mode! Oils and makeup can blur the photos so they don’t come out clear. A good microfiber cloth will do. Light and easy to pack and carry with you when you’re on the go.
- Avoid zoom as much as possible. I know this is a hard one but if you zoom in too much your photos will turn out pixelated and won’t be clear. At least try without first before you zoom in so you’ll have some clearer pictures.
- Use natural light as much as possible. Take it from a selfie girl, natural light will give you the best pictures BUT don’t look directly toward the sun or you’ll have a bunch of pictures with everyone squinting. Try to find some shade if you’re in direct sunlight.
- Adjust your exposure. Long exposure helps when you’re in a darker area. It controls how much light reaches the camera sensor so you can improve the quality of your photos.
- Use the grid lines. This will help keep your photos straight, especially when taking photos in front of landmarks. (I cannot be the only one who always takes crooked pictures…lol!)
- Always take multiple photos. Especially when you are taking pictures of multiple people. That way you have options and it won’t be a big deal if someone has their eyes closed in one picture. I also like to take some zoomed in and some zoomed out so you have those options (step in closer or out farther away, obviously).
- Take action shots. You don’t want every picture to be of everyone posing. Get pictures of what everyone is doing. You will love having those memories later!
- Flip your phone horizontally. Turning your phone horizontally will give you more of the scene or background that you want to remember.
- Don’t forget your selfie stick! I know, I know, but hear me out. Selfie sticks are a great way to get more of the background in your pictures, especially if there is no one else around to take a picture for you. You can turn them different ways to get the angle and background you want. I have one that connects to my phone via Bluetooth and has a rechargeable battery so they are definitely making them better than when they first came out.
Whether you only take your phone or you take your camera too, the main thing I can tell you is to take those pictures! Take more than you think you should. You want to have all of those memories to look back on.
