Photography with a “Smart” Phone  

The best camera is often the one we have with us - our smart phones.  The quality and features are improving rapidly.  How do you make the best use of this tool?  We start with the basics of photography and then deal with the specifics of how to get the best photos possible.

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Photography Basics

• Vertical or Horizontal? 
• Watch to keep image/horizon “level” (can be corrected in post)
• Follow “rule of thirds” 
• Take multiple images and edit for “keepers”.  Throw away the rest
• Don’t be static.  Walk around and consider different angles and distances
• Move closer whenever possible rather than “pinching” to zoom in
• Have lighting source such as the sun behind you in most situations
• As you position people consider the background, example: avoid poles growing out of someones head
• Flash is very limited.  Keep subject 4-6 feet away

Optional Features for Photography

• “Portrait” mode
• Burst mode
• Panoramas
• Timelapse
• Slo-motion (see below in video)
• Scanner

Phone Camera Settings and Tips

• Check for fingerprints, lint, etc…  Use lint free cloth if at all possible, never wipe with your fingers
• Camera photo settings:  Main Settings, Camera, Format:  High Efficiency(smaller file size) or jpeg 
• Camera video settings: Main Settings, Camera, Record Video: 1080p HD 30fps or 4k 60fps.  Also Record Slo-mo 1080p at 120fps
• Storage capacity for video is limited in most phones
• For actual image capture the “automatic” capabilities are usually fine
• Going manual…

Editing Photos

• Phone camera app - basic image correcting and cropping
• Adjust exposure, color, tint, etc…
• Crop options: square, 16:9, 5:4, 7:5, 4:3, 5:3, 3:2
• Option to rotate, flip, etc…
• Filters
• Crop to “zoom” in on subject (reduces quality of image)

Video Capture

• Horizontal is the “norm”, but for specific usage you can shoot vertical video
• Frame your subjects similar to still photos
• For someone speaking on camera you will need to be as close as possible for the phone camera mic and avoid loud locations.  External mics can be purchased that allow for more flexibility and better sound quality
• A tripod is suggested for many situations or go handheld but try to avoid “shaky” video
• Put on your directors hat to position people and coordinate movement of camera and subjects

Video Editing

• Simple trimming can be done in the camera app.  Other apps allow for more extensive editing options

Other Smart Phones Tips and Settings

• https://www.androidcentral.com/beginners-guide-android-photography-settings
• https://www.guidingtech.com/best-samsung-galaxy-s21-camera-settings-tricks/

Woodland Photography   www.woodlandphoto.com

Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwIoKlcxzbdEbTuyqmfhE1Q/videos