Tips on taking smartphone photos and recording video
Close down all other apps on your phone. Because of radio waves the input might get noisy. Turn on airplane-mode before you start.
IPHONE TIP: Close down all other apps by holding menu button down. Press the X on opened apps to close down.
1. Make sure you’ve tested your smartphone and video camera apps and are familiar with how to get the best recording.
2. Charge your phone and bring the adaptor just in case. Don’t forget your headphones.
3. Use natural light when you can. Although some smartphones have lights, nothing looks better than natural light. If you are indoors look for windows. Outdoor shoots look for light sources. Lack of light will make your footage darker and grainier.
4. In regards to sound: Avoid windy areas: especially if you are using the internal smartphone mic.
5. Try using your parked car as a mobile insulated audio booth.
6. It’s difficult to take a good photo of a palm smothering your lens and we have all taken photos where an errant thumb is in view; best to double check your camera is clear of digits and limbs.
7. Clean your lens with a lens cloth, not tissue paper Tissues contain wood fibre and thus can scratch the lens of your camera; instead, use a proper lens cloth to clean delicate coated glass.
8. Hold tight When taking your photo or video , brace yourself to hold the camera steady for several seconds; the biggest single reason for poor smartphone images was due to wobbly users.
9. Adjust focus for long range photos Generally auto-focus on smartphones was great for short-range photos but not that great for long range photos; on more advanced smartphones you can adjust the focus for a better photo.
10. With no more worries about using up film, take two photos; firstly take a quick snap of something you find interesting to capture the moment; then take a more considered approach for your next photo.
