Tip #3701 - Using Your Camera Phone
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Using
Your Camera Phone
Do you have a cell
phone that also has a camera with it? If so, you have what is called a
camera phone and today, I'm going to give you 10 tips that will help you
take better pictures with it. By following them, you will be able to get
as much out of your camera phone as you possibly can. Here we go!
Whether you're a novice
or a pro with your camera phone, I've got some tips that will help you
take better pictures. Camera phones don't capture enough detail to make
high-quality prints, but they're great for spontaneous pictures and sharing
them through e-mail or the Internet. So, grab your camera phone and start
experimenting!
1.) Take
Lots of Pictures - The more pictures you take, the better you
will get. Remember the "use and disuse" theory? Practice, practice,
practice is the best policy.
2.) Move
in Close - Since most camera phones don’t have a terrific
zoom feature, it’s best to move closer to your subject to take the
photograph. Even if your camera phone has a zoom feature, it’s best
to avoid it, because most pictures get foggy when it's done that way.
3.) Shoot
at Eye Level - This is one of the first and foremost tools of
photography. Always shoot the subject at its eye level, not yours. Be
it a child or a stone bench, the picture seems more real and tangible
when you get down to its level. So, if you are taking a picture of a dog
at your eye level, the picture won’t have the impact it should,
unless you shoot at its eye level. The dog will look more friendly/unfriendly
(whichever the case may be) and you will have captured it at its very
best angle.
4.) Watch
the Light - Lighting plays a key role in any form of photography
and particularly a camera phone, because of its limited camera functions.
Though some cameras come with the flash feature, it’s best used
in dark surroundings. Just make sure that you don’t have a bright
light behind your subject while taking a picture. Always get the light
fall on the subject and not the lens. You will come out with a much clearer
picture that way.
5.) Use a
Plain Background - If you are using portraits, it’s best
to take pictures with a white background or any plain light colored background.
Just make sure that the subject isn’t wearing white and the background
is also white. If you do that, they will merge with the background. Choose
backgrounds that contrast the subject and avoid merging them into the
background. If the subject’s wearing white, use black for best results
and vice versa.
6.) Try Different
Angles - Since you have a digital camera phone that allows you
to see the picture as soon as you take it, you have the flexibility to
shoot the same subject and setting in different angles. You know, like
a low angle, a high angle, a close up, a wide angle, etc. Try any or all
of the angles that you can think of and then choose the one that best
compliments the mood and setting.
7.) Discover
Your Camera Phone's Capabilities - Do a lot of trial and error
using your camera phone. You could read the manual and experiment or you
could just experiment with all the features your camera phone has. Remember,
every camera phone comes with its own value additions. Know what’s
given in your camera phone and make the most of it. It could be the "macro
feature" that allows you to take pictures from an extreme close up
angle, etc.
8.) Be Courteous
- Don’t just go on taking pictures of people and places without
taking relevant permission. Sometimes, it’s best to ask the people
you are photographing for their permission. If you are taking candid shots,
you could ask for their permission after the photography is done. It’s
best to avoid any legal trouble while you're taking pictures.
9.) Don't
Forget Your Regular Camera - While you are taking pictures with
your camera phone, be sure to bring your regular camera along too. While
camera phones are used to take casual, not so important, but primarily
functional pictures (like taking a picture of a new dress you saw while
window shopping), if it’s proper photography, be it portraits, landscapes
or wildlife, it’s best to use your regular camera first.
10.) Store
and Share Pictures - All the pictures you have shot are best
enjoyed if stored and shared. You could download your pictures on your
computer and e-mail them to your friends and relatives. You could also
join an online photo sharing site like Flickr and let the whole world
see what you are up to.
Either way, have fun
taking pictures with your camera phone!
~ Zahid H. Javali
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