Smartphones have made photography more accessible and convenient than ever before. And with the increased quality of smartphone cameras, it is now possible to capture some stunning portraits right from your phone.
However, capturing a portrait with a smartphone is more complex than pointing and clicking. To take stunning portraits like a pro, you need to know some tips and tricks.
In this post, expert Ian Leaf will present tips on how to shoot better portraits with your smartphone.
Table of Contents
1. Use Natural Light
Lighting is critical when it comes to taking a great portrait. Using natural light from a window or even outdoors with ample sunlight can make all the difference.
Avoid using flash as much as possible, as it can create unwanted shadows and harsh light that can ruin an otherwise perfect shot. When taking portraits outdoors, you can use the lighting to your advantage by taking photos during “golden hour” – the hour before sunset or after sunrise – for soft and flattering light.
2. Use The Rule Of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a photography technique that involves dividing your screen into a grid of thirds, horizontally and vertically. The idea is to place your subject at the intersection of two lines to create a visually pleasing composition.
The rule of thirds can help you develop a sense of balance and harmony in your portrait.
3. Get A Clean Background
When photographing people with your smartphone, a clean background can make all the difference in the quality of your portrait. While it’s easy to focus on your subject and ignore the surroundings, a busy or cluttered background can be distracting and take away from your subject’s beauty.
To get a clean background, you can use a blank wall, a simple backdrop, or a natural landscape. These options help you create a visually appealing portrait that highlights your subject and makes them the focal point.
Remember to pay attention to lighting and adjust accordingly for the best results. With these tips, you’ll be able to capture stunning portraits with your smartphone that truly showcase the beauty of your subject.
4. Experiment With Angles And Framing
Shooting from different angles and experimenting with framing can bring life and variety to your portraits. Try shooting from above, below, or at eye level with your subject.
Also, don’t be afraid to play with negative space, the area around your subject. You could create a unique and exciting composition by filling more freedom with the background or by cropping your subject part-way out of the frame.
5. Composition Is Important
Another important aspect of portrait photography is composition. A well-composed shot can take your portrait to the next level.
Experiment with positioning your subject off-center for a more dynamic shot. Consider the rule of thirds: imagine a grid over the photo, and place your subject along the lines or intersecting points. This can create a more exciting and balanced composition.
6. Use The Camera’s Portrait Mode
Many smartphone cameras now have a “portrait mode” that automatically blurs the background and focuses on the subject. This is useful for creating a professional-looking portrait.
However, be mindful of how much background blur you wish to see. You can also use the focus feature on your camera app to adjust your focus point, which can help emphasize the subject in your composition.
7. Editing And Post-Processing
Capturing portraits with your smartphone can be a fun and convenient way to produce stunning photos that showcase your subject’s best features. However, more than taking a photo alone is required to achieve the desired look.
That’s where editing and post-processing come in handy to enhance your portrait photography skills. With the abundance of free photo editing apps, you can easily make basic adjustments like cropping, exposure tweaks, and color correction.
You can also apply artistic filters to add unique elements to your portraits, such as black and white or vintage effects. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur trying to capture the best possible photos, practicing post-processing can turn a good picture into a memorable one.
So next time you shoot a portrait with your smartphone, don’t forget to take advantage of these editing and post-processing tips to create stunning photos that stand out.
8. Practice, Practice, Practice
Finally, the key to nailing unique portraits with your smartphone is practice! If you don’t maintain a consistent commitment to honing your skills and finding what works best, it will become increasingly challenging to capture qualitatively better photos each and every time.
Use available daylight, watch tutorials, and discover how people progress in their portrait photographyMost importantly – break out of that comfort zone. Whether you prefer shooting people or anything else really – take risks, and try out different lighting effects, angles and perspectives.
Practicing often with patience and intellect can give decisive results when it comes to perfecting smartphone portraiture.
Final Thoughts
With these tips from Ian Leaf, you can take better portrait photographs with your smartphone. Experiment with your camera’s settings, rely on natural light, choose a clean background, and play around with different angles to create unique compositions.
Additionally, editing the final image can help elevate your portrait photography. The key to capturing great portraits is practice and experimentation, so keep practicing until you get the perfect shot.
