As a busy mom with five kids under the age of eight I know how important photography is. Being able to capture a memory as quickly as possible is hard when you’re chasing after little ones. Add that I’m a blogger and it’s essential that I’m able to take decent pictures wherever I am with whatever equipment I have available. I’m definitely no expert photographer, I am pretty proud of the images that I capture and share. I’ve even been asked a few times in the past what type of camera I use. So today I thought I would share that with y’all. Honestly, the majority of the pictures I share I take with my phone! Keep reading for my tips on getting the perfect shot every time. This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are completely my own.
why I love my android phone
I’ve always been a fan of Android phones. The cameras I’ve experienced on my Samsung Galaxy devices have never disappointed. I recently had the opportunity to pick up the newest Samsung Galaxy that has some incredible new features! However, I’m sure it will come as no surprise that what I’m most excited about is the camera that it has. This device has many updated features including a camera with more pixels and optical image stabilization.
Armed with a great camera that you can literally carry around in your pocket, what’s holding you back from taking a great photograph? Nothing! You don’t have to be a professional to take a noteworthy picture. Here are three simple tips for getting that perfect shot!
tips for getting the perfect shot
lighting
The number one thing that most people tell you about photography is that you need to have good lighting. Natural lighting is key when taking pictures. Usually morning or early evening is the best time to get beautiful outdoor shots without harsh highlights or dark shadows. If you’re shooting indoors you don’t necessarily need a lot of fancy equipment. Just learn which spot in your house has the best lighting and which time of day that happens. Generally next to a big window is a safe bet.
background
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a great picture downgraded to bleh. And all because of something obtrusive in the background. Always check what’s in the background before telling everyone to say “cheese”. A good rule of thumb is that the less visual clutter the better. Solid expanses of wall or a large cluster of plant life is always a good choice. At the very least watch out for eyesores like unwanted trashcans or vehicles. If you can’t move your subject, then oftentimes simply moving yourself slightly one direction will help a lot. Of course, picture editing software can help, but the less editing you have to do the better.
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angles
Knowing good angles or shooting from a different perspective can take a sub par photo up a notch–or two. Figure out which angles are flattering not only to the subject you’re shooting, but also to the human eye. Remember the rule of thirds when lining up your shot! It can make a big difference and is super easy to do. Just keep the horizon on one of the horizontal lines and keep whatever you want your eye drawn to at the intersecting points.
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Of course, the most important photography tip that I can give you–from one mom to another–is to have fun. If you force a moment or a picture it’s likely to show. Oftentimes the casual, unprompted photos turn out to be the most amazing! Get down on your child’s level and just start snapping away, you never know what you’ll capture! And when all else fails, I’ve learned that an incentive of snacks can really entice your little one to cooperate.
What tips do you have for getting a great shot?
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13 Responses to getting the perfect shot every time
Great tips! It is pretty amazing the quality of pictures you can capture with the Samsung, after reading your post I want to upgrade. 🙂
Great Post! I love Snapseed as an editor for my photos on my phone. While I keep my editing somewhat minimal, it can help with any balancing and cleaning up details and cropping.
I wish I would have read this before I got my new phone…I really wanted a good camera!! Thanks for sharing, Samsung really lives up to the hype!
Backgrounds are key! No one wants to look at a trashcan in the distance.
I LOVE the way some people use angles! It can create such a dramatic pic. And our phones are amazing nowadays so we don’t have to carry around a large camera to catch awesome shots!
I just watched a live demo of the S9, but won’t be picking it up. My S8 works great. I do agree that I’m more an Android fan than Apple, though.
Fantastic tips! I love these ideas! Such helpful information. 🙂
Great tips! I need a new phone, so I will have to check this one out!
Love these tips! And I’m super jealous of your new phone. I had a Samsung Galaxy 3 or 4 a few years ago and loved it, but the new ones can be pricey. Like you, I take most of my pictures with my phone so having a good camera is important!
Thanks for the great tips! I love how we can get amazing photos using a phone these days! Love having a camera everywhere I go.
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