Taking photos with a mobile phone is considered a universal skill. In fact, everyone is expected to be well acquainted with this component on a phone. Mobile photography has increased in popularity over the years due to the flexibility and convenience involved.
Sharing photos is less cumbersome when the photos are stored on a mobile device’s memory. The process of sharing photos is different when a standard camera is used for capturing.
Typically, technological advancements ease the process in every field. It is not different in photography. Cameras on mobile phones have completely revolutionized photography. Almost everyone has an idea on what good photography entails considering people have mobile phones on them at every time.
Capturing and sharing photos is no longer a challenge. Mobile application developers have identified a potential market in photography and embedded elements that enhance sharing and editing photos.
For instance, it is common knowledge that an iPhone has the best photo. While everyone can agree on this and even point out mistakes on a photo, taking incredible photos that display true images is a skill.
Mobile Photography
There are four primary elements of good photography. These are; exposure, focus, composition, and photo editing.
In addition to this, there are important tips that you should not miss in your photo shoots. Be sure to implement the following seven tips.
Avoid Using Zoom
Most mobile devices have a zoom component on their cameras. Usually, this is achieved by either pinching or stretching two fingers on the screen while the camera is on. Zoom helps to bring images closer. Besides, zoom helps to focus on the subject and avoid distracting backgrounds. However, the effect is shady on mobile photography because it is digital as opposed to still cameras with optical zoom.
Digital zoom will undeniably bring your image closer and keep away unnecessary distractions. However, it compromises on the image quality because the digital zoom crops the subject. Thus, it is advisable to physically move closer to an object and take the photo on normal camera mode. Zoom can be done later in the editing process where you have full control.
Set the Focus
Before taking any photo, you should clearly identify your subject and any other objects that interest, which you wish to appear on the photo. On most mobile screens while the camera is the normal mode, you will see a yellow box that moves from one point to another.
To set focus, tap on the subject. The yellow box will automatically shift to this point indicating your object is in focus. You can now take the photo guaranteed of quality on the focal point. Nevertheless, the quality of the photo entirely depends on the type of mobile phone. Mobile phone cameras have different lenses.
Clean the Lens
Mobile phones are normally stored in pockets or bags which expose the lens to damage. Scratches and any form of dirt on the lens block light from reaching sensors in the camera. as a result, images taken from the lens appear to be either blurred or with dust spots.
To produce sharp and quality images, be sure to clean your lens before taking any photo. A soft cloth should be used in cleaning lenses. This is because any form of abrasion on the lens destroys the sensors hence poor image quality.
Keep your camera steady
Camera shake is one of the main causes of poor mobile camera images. When taking a photo, be sure to hold your phone with both hands while standing on even ground. You should strive to keep your camera steady, particularly in the night where there is limited light. Ideally, mobile phone cameras take a few seconds longer in capturing images in low light.
The delay is to allow as much light to enter the sensor before capturing an object. Slight movements in such environments lead to blurry images. There are available tripod stands for mobile phones. While it may be considered as an extreme practice, a tripod guarantees zero shakes.
Try different perspectives
Besides the quality of your phone’s lens, there is more to photography, art. Creativity is indispensable from good photography. Whenever you are taking a photo, remember to try different points of view.
Other than standing upright in front of an object, you can bend a little lower or up to the ground and have a unique shot. You can also try shooting from high up. Mobile photography has the advantage of flexibility. The small size of phones can fit in almost everywhere to capture in unique angles. Take advantage of the small size.
Take Several Shots
Achieving quality in a single first shot is almost impossible. Whether you are a professional or not, you should take multiple shots without changing focus then choose on the best. While capturing, pause for seconds to review the photos and get new ideas and angles. Mobile photography allows you to delete unpleasant photos thus, enhance and eases the photo editing process.
Adjust exposure manually
While mobile phones differ in components and navigation, cameras are usually identical. Before taking a photo, ensure your subject is visible. The light on the subject and background should be well balanced to increase visibility. A manual adjustment has better results than automatic adjustments by the phone.
When you’re on your vacation or out on your travels through the world, portrait photography may be something you turn to for either leisure or professionally. Here are 5 tips to improve your portrait photography.
1. Three travel portrait types
The types of travel portraits can be broken into three kinds. The first is what can be called a ‘street portrait,’ a portrait where the subject may be unaware of being photographed. They may constitute a minor portion of the entire image.
The second is the head-shot, a portrait where you are right against the subjects’ faces. Perhaps their head will be a little cropped. This type of photograph could also capture them from the shoulder up.
The third type is what can be called an environmental portrait. In this type, you capture your subject along with their surroundings. It is a good idea to define your goals before you go out for a portrait photography session.
Decide which of the three types you want to focus on. Or perhaps you want to focus on a combination of all or some of them. It will help you learn what your individual style is.
2. Avoid bringing heavy equipment
Don’t bring out all of your photography equipment while traveling. It can be cumbersome to deal with and frustrate you. You will be surprised by how much you can accomplish using sunlight alone.
If you are insistent on having an extra source of light, choose an LED light rather than heavy speed lights. The reason you want to keep is light on equipment is that you will not have enough to set all of it up, especially when you plan on photographing strangers. You would do better to improvise and learn to work with and around what is already available.
3. Be careful when choosing backgrounds
When choosing the background for your portrait, take extra care, analyzing the textures, colors and the framing as it relates to the subjects. While you will probably want your backgrounds to be picturesque, you don’t want them distracting from your subject.
Rather, the background ought to always compliment the subject, bringing the subjects’ features into sharper relief, features including their faces and eyes.
4. Get as close as you can
In case your portraits don’t look interesting enough, consider getting closer to your subjects. Zooming in on a big lens cannot replicate physically getting close to your subjects. This will give you images that are sharper and crisper, telling a story, leaving your audience satisfied.
It helps capture your subject’s face in greater detail, with increased focus and sharpness on a couple of features. It will also give you greater control over other variables, such as lighting and background, making your portraits that much better.
5. Treat people with respect
When you are traveling, you will meet many different kinds of people, potential subjects for portrait photography. If there’s one thing you should treat them all with, it is with the utmost respect.
A camera flash is not only for brightening a subject. While brightness is a crucial element in photography, there are much more reasons for using a flash. Many beginners will not use a flash unless it is in a dark place or in the night.
This is a lack of understanding. Flashes are either built-in or external. Irrespective of its position, you need to understand the effects and enhancements on photography that cannot be achieved without a flash.
Familiarizing with your camera flash increases the fun in photography. Flashes create unique elements on a photo. Besides, it sets the mood and adds emphasis to parts of your photo. As an expert in photography, you wouldn’t want to miss a camera flash in any of your shoots.
In fact, you should be moving with both the external and built-in to ensure maximum quality of your photos. While nature is irreplaceable, professional photography cannot depend on natural light; you need to learn to set your own environment and mood before a photo shoot. On most occasions, you will need an external shoe mount flash to achieve high levels of creativity and fun. Here are some tips on flash photography.
1. Diffuse Your Flash
To diffuse is to spread with an objective of covering a wider area. This is an imperative technique in photography considering creativity and enhancement is your goal. Even when you are focusing on a specific object, diffusing help in illuminating other parts of the photo. It also creates more light in the photo.
Don’t worry, it won’t be too bright. By spreading the light, diffusing softens illumination on your subject. The two common types used in this technique are; pop-up flash diffusers and diffusers for professional speed lights. However, there are additional mini boxes used in indoor environments like a studio.
2. Use Colored Flash Gels
Flash gels offer you an opportunity to add desired colors in photography. After all, photography is about details on color. The gels are attached on the flash hence tinting the bright light from the flash. This is a creative technique that you can use to enhance photos, especially in indoor shots. Besides, you can utilize the flash gels to match your flash with the ambient light.
Typically, color temperatures in a room do not correspond with flashes. Without flash gels, one can easily tell a flash was used on the photo because of variations of color on the photo. Apart from the flash gels, you should adjust your camera’s white balance setting to auto and add an amber filter on your flash.
3. Bounce the Light
Pointing a flash directly at your object is a big no. If you are to produce any quality photos without shadows and harsh light on the subject, bounce the flash. This is an important technique that aspiring photographers should learn.
You need to direct your flash to another surface, preferably with the neutral color. This can be a ceiling or wall. Professionals use a reflective card fitted on the side of the flash. And just like another flat surface, the card not only bounces the light but also widens the illumination as well as softens it.
4. Use the Ambient Light
Although a subject is a top priority in any photography, do not forget to completely blur the background. The background is an important aspect of a photo; it should disappear while you are focusing on your object. This is both a creative and a technical tip.
In this case, you have to adjust your camera to manual mode and prioritize exposure on the background. Then when focusing, allowing ambient light and elements of the background to appear. While this underexposes your subject, it enhances the photo with a unique atmosphere. The background and foreground light difference can be compensated with the normal flashlight.
5. Use more than one flash
The essence of using several flashes is to create a three-dimensional effect. Evidently, you need a deep understanding of not only the idea but technical set-up and structure of the same.
Numerous sources of light are used to either create shadows, create a rim of lights, or highlights parts of your subject. Usually, three flashes are used; a key light, fill light and backlight. The three-point light setup is operated with the help of a wireless transmitter.
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6.Enable high-speed flash sync
In Nikon cameras, this is achieved by turning on Auto FP; the same can be achieved in canon cameras by turning on High-speed flash sync. A camera on normal setting cannot sync with flash because the shutter speed takes longer than the flash.
Enabling the high-speed setting ensures the flash fires longer hence in synchronizing with your camera’s sensor. This technique is used in broad daylight as well as to stop motion. You need to acquire a maximum speed flash that goes beyond 1/250 speed. This ensures the flash fires at the same time when your camera sensor is ready to capture.
7. Use TTL technology
Through-the-lens is a setting on your camera that enables communication with the flash to determine lighting conditions as well as the distance between your subject and flash hence emitting appropriate light.
The setting (eTTL for Canon and iTTL for Nikon) ensures there is a balance between light from the flash and the ambient conditions. This technique combines with bouncing and diffusing of light produces elaborate and high-quality photos.
Photography is about going beyond your imagination and exploring your creativity. Other than having a quality camera with enhanced features and sharp lenses, which are crucial in professional photography, your creativity matters a lot. And just like technology, the photography field is dynamic. You have to keep up with new appliances and ideas in the industry.
Try something new. If you have been only taking photos on broad daylight, the next time you should try in the middle of the night. In fact, there is a lot to discover and explore with your camera and lights during the night. This is where the flash does magic. With the artificial light source, you can create different environments and moods as well as effects in your photos.
Night Photography
Besides, you should hook up with other photography enthusiasts with similar minds. Whether you are a professional or beginner in photography, there is a lot you can gain from like-minded people.
Take time and go out in your local area for a photography tour with all your equipment. Even one day brings a whole new difference to your photography perspectives. You will add insights and ideas to your existing skills. Besides, practice makes perfect. Getting hands-on guarantees mastery of the skill than researching online on our own.
The night offers extensive and endless opportunities for you to explore your creativity. While researching and planning for a photography tour with fellow photographers, consider a night out.
There is magic in the night! Some of the creative ideas you should try with your camera on manual are; long exposure light trails, second curtain light trails, fireworks, light painting, zoom burst, smooth water, flash ghosting, and handheld panning.
Here are some tips for you to practice:
Manual focus
To produce exemplary photos, you need to utilize settings on your camera. Irrespective of how quality you consider your camera, it cannot automatically focus on subjects during the night, particularly when the light is dim.
Depending on your camera type, turn it from automatic focus to manual focus. Labels may differ but AF/MF is common. The MF setting allows you to turn the focus ring until you are satisfied with the clarity of your desired subject.
Additionally, you should switch on the ‘live view mode’ to compensate for long distances or poorly lit areas. Usually, this setting is found on the LCD screen of your camera. Manual focus with these two techniques guarantees sharp photos in the night.
Shoot in RAW
There are various formats of storing your images after taking photos. RAW is the most preferable because it has more flexibility. When it comes to photo editing or post-processing, RAW allows you to extract as much detail as you need from the photo. Details are crucial in post-processing for enhancement of your photos. Besides, the format stores every detail you captured in a photo hence reliable.
Use a tripod
The last thing you want in the night is the noise. For proper photography in dimly lit areas, you need to increase exposure time as compared to daylight shots. A longer exposure time allows light to get to the sensor before capturing.
When you are using an external light (which is crucial), longer exposure ensures the flash is in synchronize with the camera sensor. Thus, a tripod stand is not discus-sable. You must have it in the night. Nights can be breezy hence the need for strong and firm tripod stands.
Turn off Image stabilization
Image stabilization also known as vibration control is important when it comes to hand-held shooting. However, night photo shoots are characterized with tripod stands. With a firm sturdy and strong tripod well placed in firm ground, you do need this setting. In fact, it will affect exposure and capture synchronization because of its brief adjustments, which cause movement.
Remove UV filter
This component is also crucial when shooting in the day. In professional photography, you control and determine your environment. Allowing sun rays to your lens compromises this technique.
However, you do not need this when shooting in the night. There are sources of light during the night that you might not control, these include; street light, moonlight, and signage, which can cause refraction. Consider acquiring a lens hood to ensure zero exposure of your lens to unwanted light.
Use remote release
Tack sharp photos are the ultimate goal in a night shoot. You do not want any slight vibration that can jeopardize a well-set shoot. The shutter button is a sure way of increasing vibration when capturing, you should avoid it at all costs, particularly in the night.
To avoid this, use a remote release. After setting and focusing your lens, keep your hands off the camera and capture using this device. Besides, you can use a built-in time, which is fairly reliable. Some cameras have additional features like WI-FI, where you have an option of using your smartphone to capture.
Use wide-angle lens
Apart from the sharpness of a lens, you should also consider the size. Lenses differ in size, which is measured in mm. Wide lenses capture wide views and more details in a photo. You also have an advantage of additional effects on your photo.
For all passionate photographers seeking to capture a variety of shots of the night sky; these tips are useful regardless of whether you’re using a simple camera lens on a tripod or a telescope for deep sky shooting. No doubt it is crucial to have a minimum of a DSLR camera and a basic lens on a sturdy tripod rather than a telescope in order to shoot a quality astrophotography image.
Tripod Stand
A sturdy tripod is extremely important for capturing night sky due to the long exposure in order to achieve the steadiness. Find a tripod with a ball head because, with this, you can point the camera straight up and stay away to avoid movements.
For beginners; first select an area with a wide swath of the night sky which could include your backyard, outdoor space or even your balcony for your set up. This spot should give you a chance to shoot a commonly known constellation.
A bright galaxy, nebular or star cluster are also attractive shots. For more detail and help in setting up and selecting a shot, the planetarium software is very useful.
For those who have been following this blog and are experienced in deep-sky astrophotography; you may find more tips and recommendations on the latest equipment but enjoy this post as a revision. The rest who are interested in useful tips that are practicable this post will provide the relevant information to feed your enthusiasm.
Proper Settings
The right settings to capture the night sky extend to the set-up of the DSLR camera and lens. Most concerned photographers asking about the proper settings are often targeting the Milky Way over a beautiful landscape. It is important to note that the same settings that work on a stationary tripod will also be appropriate for a telescope for imaging deep sky shots.
Despite my many years of experience in astrophotography with a DSLR camera, I have maintained some settings and techniques. This is because there are certain aspects of technical practices that are generally applicable to a variety of astrophotography. This general techniques, as well as settings, are useful in shooting the night sky with a basic camera.
Camera Lens Aperture
A high-end camera lens is recommendable because, with the aperture wide open, it is able to give attractively clear images. I would recommend the Canon 200 f/2.8 but it depends on how much you are willing to spend.
It is crucial to take into consideration how lenses perform. When they are stopped down from their fastest aperture, they tend to perform better. Consequently, you will be able to achieve sharper images of stars even with less chromatic aberration. Some quick things to note on settings are;
Set to manual mode
Switch the white balance to daylight
Use RAW image format
The exposure length should be 30 seconds
Use a fast aperture of F.2.8-F/4
Use at least an ISO of 400-1600
Camera Delay Timer
Since we target long exposure images and aim to capture the deepest sky objects possible, we have to leave the camera shutter for a long period of time. This helps to collect the dim lights from space. However, complexity arises with the movement of the night sky. It either needs to remain perfectly still or move with the sky to attain the desired quality of starlight.
The slightest movement distracts the camera and might ruin the desired image. The slightest distraction may be caused by even touching the camera to take the shot. It is, therefore, crucial to use the in-built delay timer to capture such images without actually touching the camera. In most cameras, it ranges between 2 to 10 seconds.
A remote shutter may be an easier substitute for the timer. I consider the shutter release timer is more effective in controlling captures because it keeps you completely away from the camera to increase the chances of clear images without trails. These cables make it possible to shoot a series of shots and give durations longer than 30 seconds.
Manual Focus
Adjusting your focus of an astrophotography image is the first initial huge step in becoming conversant with taking good shots. Your camera lens needs to be on manual focus mode. Autofocus mode may not focus on the small and dim stars.
To focus, first, find the brightest star in the sky or the moon before you turn the live-view mode of the camera. Using the setting we have described earlier in this post, you will be able to view at least one bright star.
Zoom into the brightest star on your screen gradually. You may then adjust the focus of your lens until to have a small pinpoint of light. To achieve this sharp image, you will have to shift back and forth several times.
In order to ensure you have the smallest and sharpest possible pinpoint images, you may take test exposures to help compare the results. To distinguish between the sizes of the stars, keep the image preview zoomed in as you shift between the images.
Day Item White Balance
Day time white balance is commonly known as a RAW mode. You may, therefore, set your camera to RAW image format and achieve the white balance so you will not be caught up striving to attain these settings.
The white balance settings provide the most accurate color rendition of the image shot. It was designed to achieve to produce the accurate colors of the sun so they are appropriate for the stars.
There are cases where the sky may appear pink or a hue of orange. There is no need to worry as this means the shots were taken in a region with light pollution. In such a situation, you may use Adobe Photoshop color balance tool to restore your background into a neutral grey or blue color.
ISO settings
There are no specific definite solutions to selecting the appropriate ISO settings for the camera in astrophotography. Since DSLR cameras mostly create noise with an increase in the ISO as well as the increase in sensitivity, avoid high ISO settings.
Instead, first, find a balance between the amount of noise and the light collected. This balance will help find the correct ISO setting. Use at least an ISO of 400-1600
