There is a saying that goes: “the best camera is the one that’s with you all the time.” As technology advances, Smartphones are becoming the “go to” camera of choice. Even if you have a DSLR, most people take everyday photos with a Smartphone. My iPhone will never replace my DSLR, but I find myself reaching for my iPhone because it’s quick, easy, and always with me.

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Smartphone photos standout:

1.     Find the light. Try to use front or side light, avoid shooting backlit, unless your intention is to create a silhouette. Don’t forget to tap on the screen to focus and set the exposure. To control the exposure, touch the area of the screen where you see highlights or shadows, it will lighten or darken your image.

2.     Window lighting creates a beautiful, soft light; place your kids in the soft lighting to get great shots!

3.     Avoid placing kids in harsh sunlight for pictures, it will make their eyes squint and you won’t get a genuine expression. Try to find shade or have them pose with sunglasses on. You will probably get some funny shots as they show off their cool shades.

Composition

1.     Before you take the shot, put down your camera and observe the scene. Ask yourself, “Will anything distract the viewer from the main subject?” If so, remove the distraction from the scene. Keep an eye out for toys, dirty dishes, shoes, laundry, junk mail, yard tools, sticks, twigs, etc.

2.     Turn on the camera grid and use the “Rule of Thirds.” Place your subject in one of the intersecting lines on the grid to create a better composition.

3.     Always be on the lookout for shapes, texture, and color to add interest to your photos. Leading lines always help to direct the viewer to your subject.

4.     Try different angles and perspectives. Don’t be afraid to move your camera around. Get high or low to add interest to the shot. Look for reflections in water puddles, mirrors, windows, shiny objects, etc.

5.     When photographing kids, I recommend placing your camera at the kids’ eye level. For example, if you want to take great pictures of your kids collecting eggs at the annual Easter egg hunt, try to position yourself in front of the kids, place the camera at their eye level so you can capture the expression on their faces.

Lights, Camera, Action!

1.     Be the director—especially when it comes to photographing little kids. If you want to create genuine smiles, interact with the kids while you are taking pictures. Say stuff like, “Don’t smile!” or “I’m going to tickle you!” Always focus on the positive don’t get mad at them for not smiling. Tell them how amazing they are and how beautiful their smile is! Praise is huge!

2.     Kids love when adults act goofy. Don’t be afraid to make faces and be silly.

3.     If you can’t get a child to hold still, play “on your mark!” Place a sticker where you want them to stand and instruct them to stand “on your mark!” If they look down at the sticker, simply call their name and they will look up.

4.     If your kids insist on seeing the camera screen after each shot, turn it into a game and say, “You can see the picture after 10 clicks.” Count to 10 then, reward the child by letting them look at their pictures.

5.     If your child won’t smile, take the shot and capture a pouty face! Some of my favorite pictures are when a child is simply being a child!  

6.     Set up a photo booth at your next party. Style your photo booth using colored paper or a fabric backdrop and party supplies. You are guaranteed great smiles and expressions with a photo booth! Set up the photo booth next to large windows for great lighting. The photo booth will be the hit of the party!

A few things to avoid

1.     Don’t use the camera’s zoom feature, it will reduce the quality of the image. If you can, walk closer to the subject to take the shot. I recommend cropping and enhancing your images by using the VSCO camera app by Visual Supply Company. (available at the iTunes Store).

2.      Turn off the flash and avoid using the camera flash if possible.  

3.     Don’t let your images stay on a computer forever! Make sure to print your pictures so they can be passed on from generation to generation!

I highly recommend visiting www.artifactuprising.com to print a softcover photo book for your Instagram Photos. Practice makes perfect.  Remember, consistent practice is the best way to improve your photography skills. Keep practicing and visit www.kamillemarshall.com for more tips and tricks.