Capture The Season

Whether it’s Apple or Android, the photo technology in modern smartphones can create stunning images, complete with automatic adjustments for lighting and other effects. You don’t have to look hard in the world of social media to see the results.

But give those images a closer look. Are they as good as they can be? While mobile software can clean up many of the more technical trouble spots, a few tried-and-true tips from the world of traditional photography can upgrade your seasonal or holiday photographs from passable to truly memorable.

Seek The Light

For photography, there’s a magical time just before sunset or after sunrise — the golden hour. The warm, soft light adds a natural artistic element, whether you’re shooting a landscape or a portrait. So, when possible, avoid the harsh light of the hours around noon and seek the golden rays instead.

Know This Rule & When To Break It:

The idea of the rule of thirds is an artistic standard. An image is framed using 2 horizontal and 2 vertical lines to create 9 equal parts. 1 strategy is to place the subject of the photo at 1 of the intersections to create a balanced composition. But you can also use the idea to know when to break the rule, shift the frame and take a unique photo.

Get The Close-Up:

Don’t be shy. Most phone cameras have a zoom feature. But you’ve got a better choice. Physically get closer to your subject, whether it’s a person, flower or delicious dinner dish. Proximity not only makes it easier to frame the image but it also adds a sense of intimacy.

Steady As It Goes:

The latest phone cameras do well even when light is scarce. But there are limits, and sometimes when you’re shooting in a dim room or when the sun is fading the resulting image can turn out blurry. A small tripod — there are plenty of phone-sized options — can help keep your photos sharp.

Give 'Em A Boost:

There’s nothing wrong with a little editing, and most phones have great software built in. There are options for automatic adjustments, but don’t be shy about exploring the possibilities. A little creative cropping or adjustments to settings like brightness can make a difference. You can even consider converting a photo to black-and-white for a classic look.