Typically when I whip out my iPhone, I am trying to snap a quick photo of my ever-moving toddler. In the midst of all this, I do make every attempt to treat my iPhone in the same manner I would as if I had brought my camera along. With all the advancement in technology, memories that have been captured using a smartphone can appear equally as lovely without the hassle of lugging around that bulky camera.
Here are some tips for documenting life with a smartphone:
1. LIGHT
Just as if I was armed with my camera, I search for great lighting. Sometimes it’s light streaming in from an open door or window. Light can be used to cast the persons’ silhouette or to focus on their shadow.
2. COMPOSITION (NEGATIVE SPACE)
Gone are the days when shooting a person straight on and having them fill the frame is considered artistic. While it occasionally serves a purpose, dull and boring are the words that spring to mind. Photography is about sharing memories through storytelling. In order to share the story of your subject look at your surroundings with possibilities. If you are at a beach for example, try stepping back a few feet. Move until your subject is on the side of your frame instead of front and center, showing the ocean in the negative (extra space), along with some of the ground and horizon.
3. ANGLES
It isn’t just about faces – the details also share a story. Consider shooting from above to capture the details of your little one’s hands playing in the water table. Get on the ground and capture their chubby little legs running toward you. Change your perspective to change the angles.
4. ZOOM
On a camera, zooming in can be a great feature. On a smartphone, the same technology hasn’t caught up. I do not recommend zooming in using a smartphone as it can leave your photos very grainy. Instead, move closer or farther away depending on what you want.
5. APPS
I haven’t used any editing apps myself, but here are a few that many professionals like to use.
Try them out and see how they can help you enhance and perfect your images. Get creative!
I have compiled these tips over the last few years, as my desire to take beautiful images with my iPhone increased. With the advancement in today’s technology, you don’t have to be a professional photographer to have the ability to capture memories in instant…and not only capture them, but have the ability to make them breath taking. As a mother, having my iPhone within arm’s reach and these tips available to me allow me the opportunity to create beautiful everyday images of my toddler’s life. I hope you are able to use these tips to create new and amazing photographs of your little ones at the touch of a button.