Mobile photography has become one more tool for today's photographer and, despite the fact that there are many debates about whether mobile photography is photography or not , you will know, dear reader, if you have been following us for a while, that for us it is answer is a big YES.
Mobile photography is here to stay not only because it is probably the camera that photographers of all levels use the most, but because cameras are getting better all the time. Its versatility, portability and immediacy have us captivated and will continue to be so for at least a long season.
For this reason we wanted to dedicate our mega guide format to photography with a mobile or cell phone, collecting and expanding absolutely all the information you may need to improve your photographs taken with your mobile. Inspiration, tricks, advice, composition or technique. You have everything here.
Important, before continuing I recommend that you bookmark this article so you can retrieve it whenever you have a question, need inspiration or just want to take a look at it again. Get comfortable, here I come.
WHAT IS MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY?
Mobile photography is a photographic genre focused on using the mobile phone camera, or cell phone, as the main tool to capture photos. Unlike other photographic genres, mobile photography is mainly defined by the type of camera used for its execution.
To take advantage of it, it is convenient to dismantle the typical myths associated with this type of photography: mobile photography does have merit, it can become professional, it is creative, it does have technique, and yes, it requires effort and knowledge. Anyone can press a button, but not every image is photography as we photographers understand it, right?
HOW TO TAKE GOOD PHOTOS WITH YOUR MOBILE (TRICKS FOR MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY):
Sometimes the seemingly simple tricks are the ones that can make a big difference in the quality of your images. For this reason, we have prepared some very simple tricks with which you will quickly learn how to take better photos with your mobile.
- Keep optics in perfect condition. We must not forget that our camera is also a phone and a powerful computer ? and that we often accidentally touch the lens or carry it in our pocket in any way. So clean the optics before taking any photos. This is a small detail that we don't always take into account but that will reduce the sharpness of your photos a lot.
- Hold the phone well. Ideally, you should hold it with both hands and press the shutter using the button on the screen. It generates less vibrations than other options such as the sides.
- Be aware of the size of the mobile camera sensor. Being aware of the limitations of the smartphone camera allows you to get ahead of problems. We know that the size of the sensor in mobile phones is very small, which is why we must try to make things easy for them. You will see that many of the tips are related to this fact.
- Light, lots of light. If you want your Smartphone to perform at the highest quality, you should look for environments with good lighting, and preferably it is uniform, without too much contrast between light and shadow. I'll tell you more about this soon.
- Never use digital zoom. The best zoom is your feet ? .
- Turn off the flash. It's not one of the strengths of smartphones, so you'd better find a place with more light before using the flash.
- Disable HDR mode by default. Activate it only when you think your image needs it.
- Night mode is preferable to the built-in flash. If your phone has this function, it is a better choice.
- Compose correctly so you don't have to crop the image. Take care of the background and activate the grid to help you.
- Learn to work with the manual settings of your mobile.
- Don't take photos using a filter. Think that, normally, there is no going back. It is preferable that you add it later.
- Take a look at the worst mistakes we make in mobile photography and run from them like a soul to hell.
- Edition. You can improve your image with small editing adjustments , lights, shadows, contrast or saturation, but remember that the more you retouch, the greater the loss of quality.
- Download our infographic where we prepare the best tricks for mobile photography.
Have you been wanting more? I explain them face to face ?
MASTER THE LIGHT IN MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY
Light is always our obsession as photographers. Mastering light in mobile photography is even more important due to the sensor size of our Smartphones, much smaller than that of a SLR or mirrorless camera.
However, all is not lost, far from it, here are some very simple tricks to control the light in your mobile phone photos:
- Homogeneous lights work best. Remember that the sensor of our phone is small and does not have a good dynamic range.
- Soft lights cast fewer shadows and are easier for the sensor to process as well.
- Play with the possibilities of hard light:
- The backlights and their silhouettes.
- Shadows are a very powerful visual resource.
- Measure precisely in the area you want to expose correctly to avoid correcting the exposure in processing.
- Take into account the directionality of the light to play with the textures.
- Experiment in high and low key (I'll tell you the secret shortly).
HOW TO COMPOSE A PHOTOGRAPH WITH A MOBILE PHONE (CELL PHONE)
Many times you ask how to take beautiful photos with your mobile. Before that question we always answer: with a good composition. Composition in mobile photography is a very important aspect, since many times we lack other functions such as depth of field or lighting as narrative elements.
Here are my mobile photography composition tips for more visually appealing images:
- Define a center of interest. It is key for any type of photography.
- Try not to center. Use rules such as thirds to place the protagonist in a strong point of the image where the eye goes more naturally).
- Use lines as a compositional element. They give a lot of play when composing with your mobile phone.
- Activate the grid to help you compose and keep the horizon straight.
- Less is more. Simple compositions are easier to read and work better.
- Add a human element to increase the interest of the image.
- Play with the scale.
- Use color as one more compositional element.
- Use natural frames to frame your image: doors, windows, bridges, arches...
To go deeper, I recommend our article on how to compose in mobile photography and then go through this other one with 17 tips to achieve better photos with your smartphone.
HOW TO TAKE GOOD PORTRAITS WITH A MOBILE OR CELL PHONE?
One of the star themes in mobile photography is, without a doubt, the portrait . Whether yours is taking pictures of others or delving into the depths of your own soul (what is now called a selfie ? ), what is certain is that a good part of your photographs contain a portrait.
Let's see how to take a good portrait with your mobile phone :
- Get closer: take advantage of the fact that the mobile is not a camera that imposes too much on the people portrayed and obtain images and expressions that with another camera would not be so easy to achieve.
- Take care of the background , no unwanted elements in the frame.
- If the eyes reflect some kind of light, you will fill them with life and always remember to check that they are well focused.
- Always try to have enough light so that your image does not come out blurred or underexposed.
- Try moving closer to a window indoors.
- Experiment with the shadows on the face, I already told you before that they are a very interesting compositional resource.
- Play with the different planes in the image.
- Also try the vertical format. For portraits it is very grateful.
HOW TO TAKE GOOD PHOTOS FOR INSTAGRAM?
If there is a social network that has helped the rise of mobile telephony, that is, without a doubt, Instagram. The immediacy of the publications, the stories and now also the video format, have positioned it as the most used social network by photographers of all kinds.
To take great photos for Instagram with your mobile phone:
- Learn to compose in square format.
- Minimalist images usually work best.
- Take great care of the background.
- Do not abuse the filters.
- Try to have a consistent line of sight.
- Look for original frames, unique points of view.
- Upload photos that you are proud of, without going into a perfectionist loop ;).
- Get inspired by photographers who exude authenticity, like these must-have portrait photographers , most of whom you can follow on Instagram.
And of course, try to avoid these mistakes in your profile pictures . Better follow these tips for your profile photos on social networks.
Oh, and if you don't follow us on Instagram yet , maybe it's a good time to do so, we'd love to see you there?
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY WITH MOBILE PHONE
If there is a star theme in mobile photography, it is street photography, street photography, Streetphotography , or whatever you want to call it.
The size, discretion, portability and speed of a mobile phone make it one of the best options for lovers of this discipline. Surely you are waiting impatiently for some tips for street photography with your mobile:
- The human element is vital, try to include it directly or indirectly in your compositions.
- Take advantage of every moment of the day. Each light and each hour tell different stories in street photography.
- Just like rainy, foggy or windy days. In bad weather, good photos ? .
- Always carry an extra battery to charge your mobile.
- Make sure you have enough space on your device before you start shooting.
- Locate places where you expect interesting situations to happen (subway exits, crowded places…).
- Work lines, shape and geometry.
- Use architectural elements as possible natural frames.
- Be discreet and respectful.
- Always have your mobile handy and ready to photograph.
- Black and white is a great ally of this type of photography. Do not miss our complete guide to black and white photography if you are passionate about the subject.
- Tell a story, make your image speak.
Be sure to take a look at our article with 15 tips to improve your street photography with your mobile to expand this information, as well as our 100 express tips for street photography. Many you can apply and practice with your mobile phone.
NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY WITH MOBILE PHONE
A few years ago it would have seemed impossible to take night photography with a mobile phone, but today, it is not only possible, but we can also achieve amazing results. My tips:
- Use a tripod to help stabilize the shot. Later, in the accessories, I recommend an ideal one.
- Take advantage of available light . Get close to light sources whenever you can.
- Forget the zoom, the sensor is not a good friend of the dark, and even less if you add Zoom.
- If you have RAW , use it, otherwise, use an application for your mobile phone that has this format.
- If you have a night mode integrated into your mobile, activate it.
MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY WITH MOBILE PHONE
Saving distances with macro photography taken with a specific lens or other systems for SLR or mirrorless cameras, you can also practice macro photography with your mobile phone. These are my recommendations for macro photography with mobile:
- Adjust your expectations.
- Check that the optics are perfectly clean.
- You have at your disposal macro lenses for mobile, but also applications that offer this function.
- Get close enough.
- Focus manually.
- Control the exposure.
- It stabilizes the phone well.
MOBILE PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES
When technique is put at the service of emotion, the result can be brutal. Knowing different photographic techniques will give wings to your creativity in the long run, along with a general knowledge of composition, light and will make a difference in your photos.
Here I leave you with a few very simple ideas for you to practice different photographic techniques with your smartphone :
HIGH AND LOW KEY MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY
Each of these techniques have very marked emotions associated with them. The high key is purity, joy and happiness; the low key, on the other hand, is mystery, elegance and drama.
With a white background for high key and a dark background for low key along with these step-by-step tips for stunning high and low key photography on a mobile phone , you're guaranteed success.
LONG EXPOSURE WITH MOBILE PHONE
There are techniques that seem reserved for other types of cameras, but if you have a tripod and an application that allows you to work manually, these types of photos are also within your reach.
I recommend you take a look at apps like Slow Shutter Camor Pro Camerato achieve impressive long exposure photos, lights, movement and an explosion of sensations simply by playing with the exposure speed.
PANORAMIC PHOTOGRAPHY WITH MOBILE PHONE
I bet that if you have a phone with the panoramic option you will have used it several times already ? . But, have you applied these tips to photograph panoramas with your mobile phone ? With them you will undoubtedly improve your panoramic compositions with mobile phones.
CLONE YOURSELF WITH A MOBILE PHONE
As you hear it, without Photoshop or magic, or test tubes or anything more than a mobile phone with panoramic option and a good samaritan to pose for you. It's all you need to clone someone with your mobile phone.
Well, that and follow these tips to clone yourself step by step with your mobile (and without resorting to San Photoshop).
MAKE A TIME LAPSE IN MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY
With a simple tripod, your camera and an external battery, you can make a Time Lapse video. Yes, those videos that speed up slow processes like the growth of a flower or the movement of the stars. In this video you have some examples:
Now, how to make a Time Lapse with your mobile phone? Here we explain it to you step by step and here are some applications to make Time Lapse with your smartphone.
MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY ACCESSORIES
Mobile photography accessories are many and varied and, what is better, they are usually very affordable, allowing you to further increase the creative possibilities offered by a smartphone with little investment.
These are the most interesting accessories to expand the range of photographic possibilities with your mobile phone:
- Smartphone lenses : they are very cheap, so don't expect the same results as with an 800 Euro lens ? . Although their quality is not impressive, they are not bad at all and allow you to experiment with different focal lengths and thus obtain different images. Aaah… what do you want to know more?!! Well, take a look at our article to spark your creativity with these super cheap mobile lenses .
- Mobile tripod: another essential accessory with which you do not have to invest too much to obtain good results and that will allow you to use techniques such as long exposure, obtain groundbreaking angles or simply improve your landscape photos . In this guide you will find the best mobile tripods .
- External battery: nothing worse than running out of battery in the middle of a photo shoot, whatever the type. And, if you also lose your mobile phone, your "connection with the world", then even worse ? . Always carry an extra battery with you is a winning option.
- Waterproof case: also multiply the creative possibilities of your mobile phone with this accessory. To take photos on the beach or pool, and even underwater. Care! Always check its effectiveness by following the instructions for use before jumping into the pool.
- Collapsible Light Box: For the most professional product photos.
MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTERS
Continuing with the line of immediacy that mobile photography provides, having a printer at home is usually a very interesting option to give physical life to all those photographs taken with your smartphone.
Here are our smartphone printer recommendations and a full Instax Share review to give you an idea of how smartphone printers look and work.
THE BEST APPS FOR MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY
Many times, mobile photography would not be understood without the applications behind it. These complement the ever-improving cameras and offer plenty of creative resources.
On the blog we have several articles dedicated to the best applications for photography. We especially recommend:
- Applications to master the camera of your mobile phone
- The best mobile applications for photographers, where you will find everything from applications to plan outings, edit, for the camera or sell your photos.
MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY EDITING TIPS
Mobile photography and editing are two difficult concepts to separate. In the previous section you will find applications with which to obtain great results in editing.
When editing your mobile photos , keep the following tips in mind :
- Any adjustment reduces the image quality. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you obtain a result that is as perfect as possible at the time of taking the image.
- Cut as little as possible.
- Slightly adjust the highlights and shadows, brightness or contrast depending on the image and the result you want.
- Correct spots or areas you need to improve.
- Play with the color cast, it can give you very interesting results and help you with what is fundamental: emotion!
- Adjust the white balance to your liking.
- Always save adjustments as a copy and never on top of the original image.
- Choose an editor that works for you and investigate all its possibilities well.
The free application that I recommend the most as a mobile photo editor is Snapseed. To convince yourself how fantastic it is you can watch a basic tutorial on how it works.
WHICH MOBILE HAS THE BEST CAMERA?
There is no single answer to this question because it depends on your needs and tastes. What I can do is help you with the search work and prepare a list with the most interesting options. Leave me a moment… You already have it ready! This is our mobile article with the best cameras .
You can also read our reviews of the Huawei P20 and P20 Pro , the Huawei P30 and P30 Pro, the Iphone 11 , the Google Pixel 4 and 4XL or the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra , if they are on your favorites list.
HOW TO TAKE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS WITH YOUR MOBILE?
Whether you want to become a professional, or just want to take good photos with your mobile phone, the path is perseverance, although these tips will help you along the way:
- Get a mobile with a very good camera. In the previous point we have left you a few options.
- If yours is the product, get a light box.
- Don't skimp on the quality of the accessories you buy.
- Get constantly inspired to keep up to date with news and fashions.
- Learn to use 100% manual mode.
- Don't make composition mistakes.
- Stabilize the mobile to obtain the greatest possible sharpness in your photographs.
- Do not upload photos to social networks that do not have good quality, they are your cover letter.
- Apply the filters and, in general, the edition, with a head. The images with a very exaggerated development, although today you can see them well, soon go out of style and can look unprofessional.
- Be aware of the limitations of the camera you are using and work within them.
- The best photography is obtained in the camera, not in the processing.
MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS
I always like to recommend a good book that can accompany you in your learning, a guide to go a little further, to turn to when you have doubts or want to delve into a subject, or turn the pages while enjoying a good coffee. These are my book recommendations on mobile photography :
- Mobile photography in the palm of your hand . In our almost 200-page ebook on mobile photography, we explain in an entertaining, practical and simple way all the tricks to know to capture incredible photos full of life and emotion using your mobile phone.
- Smartphone Photography: Shooting like a proby Wale Adekile.
- Everyday Mobile Photography: How to take cool photos using your phone's cameraby Michaela Willlove.
INSPIRATION FOR YOUR MOBILE PHONE PHOTOS
Sometimes it's easy to get obfuscated in the technical part of the images forgetting that inspiration is the place where everything begins , my friend.
And you already know that at Blog del Fotografo we attach extreme importance to looking for inspiration when you can't find it, and browsing through millions of images to help you find it. In this sense, we prepared this article with 33 images taken with a mobile phone , so that you can see that great photos can be taken without having to resort to a 2kg camera and 2,000-3,000 Euros.
We're almost done, I just want to tell you that this mega guide on mobile photography is meaningless if you don't practice it. You know that, right? Your mobile phone is waiting for you to get the most out of it. It is the camera that you always carry with you, use it. But not just any use. I want you to take this task as seriously as when you have the SLR in your hands, or the EVIL, or whatever camera complements your smartphone . Yes? Done deal!
