Most of us underestimate the capabilities of our smartphone cameras, we always end up saying that our phone cameras are not as clear as we would like them to be but there’s a high chance you are not utilizing your phone camera as well as you should. In fact, by tweaking the settings, angle and lighting, plus the use of multi-featured apps and tools, you might be able to snap more interesting and beautiful pictures that capture the essence of the moment than you can with a camera. So how do you improve your phone camera?

  1. What are your phone camera settings? First off, don’t rely on your phone’s default auto mode. Of course, tapping on where you want the phone to focus on will give you a sharper focus on the subject. However, you can improve the overall quality of your images by tweaking the other aspects in an image. Although different phones have different settings, most should be able to let you control the focus, exposure and white balance.
  2. Set high resolutions It goes without saying that the higher the resolution of your photo, the better quality it is. When taking images with a smartphone camera, try to go as close as possible to the subject rather than zooming in when you take a shot. You will get better-resolution photos cropped, than zoomed in. Of course, with higher resolution photos, you come across the problem of having enough storage to store them all. You can solve this by storing your photos externally, rather than in your phone.
  3. Back camera is always better Sure, the front camera makes it easier to take your selfies. It however doesn’t eliminate the fact that the front camera in general has lower resolution specs than the back. This is mainly because the back camera is better equipped with more megapixels whereas the front camera’s function is supposed to be for video conferencing.
  4. Clean your lenses You take all your photos through lenses so yes, they are integral to the photo-taking process. When you store your smartphone in your pocket or bags, your lenses are bound to get some dust on them. Give your phone camera lens a wipe every now to clear any grime or fingerprint stains. You might be surprised with what a simple act of cleaning can do to your pictures.
  5. Use a tripod Your phone camera’s stabilizing function can only do so much and if you have ever been frustrated by a blurred snap, you will appreciate the clarity afforded to you by tripods and monopods. Tripods are great for shooting in slow-shutter speeds, whereas the monopod is a single long staff that lets you take a shot (usually of yourself) from a distance away – perfect for selfies.
  6. Get better lighting One of the biggest problems with taking photos indoor is the lack of natural lighting. The right amount of lighting can make food look more appetizing, facial expressions more cheerful and environments more welcoming. As much as possible, try to take your photos under natural lighting. You can do this by going near windows or doors when taking photos indoors, and to sources of light like neon signs or street lamps when snapping photos outdoors. However, if you’re a content creator you may have to consider buying a proper phone with high resolution and that has enough storage for you to take quality video shots or photos.