If you’re a budding mobile phone photographer, you’re probably already well versed in most editing apps. You might not have spotted some of the innovations in the world of the blemish fix app, so you can always learn a little more here.

It’s not all about apps and editing software, though. A lot of what goes into photography happens before the click, and it’s really handy stuff to keep in mind as you go about your photographic journey.

Keeping Things Clean

It’s probably rule one on the opening page of any photography manual, but it’s worth repeating anyway. Keeping your lenses clean and clear is a major thing, and while it may not seem like a serious problem, loads of pics are ruined this way. 

The last thing you’ll want is to have done all the hard work in preparing your image, only to find the results marred by a pesky smudge. Phones are particularly prone here because of the way we carry them in our pockets all day.

Using HDR For Even Lighting

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a function that assists the photographer in creating even and beautiful images, particularly when the subject has tonal variations. Often, you can come out with pics that are over or under-exposed. 

HDR takes care of this variation for you, allowing you to take snaps that feature a smooth tonal shift between light and dark areas.

Learn To Keep Steady

A lot of action shots can benefit from a little blurring for the movement of the lens, but other than those kinds, it can ruin an image. Learning to balance your hands, or prop them up against something, can be a significant asset when shooting. 

It’s one of those tricks you have to figure out if you’re going to take your photography seriously. It’s especially true of long-distance shots and panoramas. A tripod can make a very good investment as well.

The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is an old trick. Before photography, it was used by portrait painters and is essentially a portrait hack, although you can apply it elsewhere too. The basic idea is to create a compositional feature by offsetting your subject. 

So, instead of that tree being squarely in the center of your image, adjust your lens in such a way that your tree is off in the left third of the image. You’ll immediately see the difference in the outcome.

Simplify Composition

Some pics just have to be crammed and busy due to what they are. For most pics, though, simpler is better. Remember that your viewer will not see things as you saw them, so bear the viewer’s perspective in mind. 

Simple, clean images are often the best ones, so paring down the activity can be a winning idea.

Use Natural Lines

Natural lines in your composition give you depth and create a sense of movement and direction too. Finding natural lines of this kind can really change the outcome of your images right away. 

A fence, a road, or a lamppost can all be excellent ways to achieve this effect. Simply position yourself so that these features lend motion and depth to your snaps, and you won’t be disappointed with the outcome.

Conclusion

In the modern age, we all have devices capable of producing fantastic photos, so unsurprisingly, many have taken to it. It’s a great way to exercise your creativity, and it’s also a fantastic way to document things for posterity. 

While the gadgets are great, they still need someone running the show to make good shots. Fortunately, the hacks involved are relatively easy to put in place, and the results will show it too.

If you are planning on camping or staying at a local accommodation, pack some things that would make your stay more comfortable. An effective insect repellent is something that you should consider getting since many of these routes are located near forests.

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