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Size Does Matter
Buy the
camera phone with the best camera you can afford. This gives you an
advantage from the start. The higher the number of mega pixels, the
better your photos will be.
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A Clean Shot
Ensure your
lens is free from any fingerprints, debris, or lint. It is easy for the
lens to accumulate debris if it lives in a purse or a pocket. Use a lint
free cloth to keep your lens clean. Whenever possible, keep the camera
phone in a case. External lenses can get scratched in a pocket or purse
with keys and coins.
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Capture the Most
Adjust your
camera settings to capture the most detail and information. Use the
highest resolution for the highest quality picture possible. Do not use
digital zoom as it makes the pictures fuzzier. If necessary, edit the
pictures later on a PC to crop, zoom, change colors, and add lighting or
other effects.
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Lights, Camera, Action!
Take pictures
in the best possible light. A dimly lit restaurant is not the best
lighting condition. Anything you can do to increase the amount of light
will help. Are there lights you can switch on before the shot? Can you
open a curtain? If there is a flash, use it but don't expect too much.
Today's typical LED flashes only illuminate about 3-4 feet, but high end
camera phones with xenon flashes illuminate up to 8-10 feet. Outside
daylight is always best.
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Throw Some Light on the Subject!
Always try to have the
light fall from behind you onto the subject. Light coming from behind
the subject will make the subject dark in the shot. If you absolutely
must take a picture with a strong light source in the background use
your onboard flash and bring the subject closer.
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Center It
Try to get your subject
right in the center of the shot. This will ensure the most clarity as
camera phones are susceptible to fuzziness and other aberrations like
reduced light at the corners of the picture. Note: This is contrary to
artistic compositional advice that says to place the (focused) subject
away from the center, when using digital or film cameras.
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Steady There!
Be a steady shooter. Try
to eliminate any inadvertent shaking of your hands. Hold the phone
steady before, during and after the shot. Most camera phones suffer from
shutter lag; so the final picture is taken seconds after the button is
depressed.
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The Subject In Focus and Fill 'er Up
Most camera phones use
fixed focus lenses, and have optimum focus at only 18-24 inches from the
subject. Fill up your frame with as much of the subject as possible. A
few high-end camera phones on the market do use auto-focus which will
take sharper pictures.
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Action Shots
These are the worst shots
for the camera phone. If you have to take one, hold the camera phone
extra steady by holding your arm against a wall or table.
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Plain Jane Background
Composing a good shot
means bringing attention to your subject. This is easier if the
background behind your subject is free from distracting clutter such as
lots of small objects or trees and poles growing out of your subject's
head. Choose a plain background.
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*Bonus* Cut the Noise
Always ensure your camera
phone is stored in a cool place before you use it. Leaving it in a hot
car while you are shopping will ensure the camera sensor heats up. This
increases random thermal noise, resulting in 'noisier' and less
desirable pictures.
