Smartphones and tablets now come with powerful camera packed with features many users never touch. If you want clearer, sharper, and more creative photos, understanding a few key tools can make a huge difference. Here are six simple ways to get the most out of your device’s camera.
1. Explore and Use the Right Camera Modes
Your device includes multiple shooting modes designed to optimise different types of photos.
- Portrait Mode for blurred backgrounds and clean portraits
- Night Mode for low-light scenes
- Manual/Pro Mode for full control over ISO, shutter speed, and white balance
- Panorama for wide landscapes
- Slow-Mo and Time-Lapse for creative videos
Experimenting with these modes helps you understand what works best in each situation
2. Turn On Gridlines to Improve Composition
Gridlines help you apply the Rule of Thirds, which instantly enhances framing.
- Place important subjects along the grid lines
- Keep horizons and lines straight
- Create more balanced, professional-looking photos
It’s a simple tool that results in noticeably better images.
3. Master Focus and Exposure Controls
Don’t rely solely on automatic settings.
- Tap to focus on your main subject
- Adjust the exposure slider to control brightness
- Use AE/AF Lock to freeze focus and exposure when needed
This helps keep your subject sharp and prevents washed-out or overly dark photos.
4. Use the Correct Lens for Each Shot
Most modern devices have multiple lenses, each built for a specific purpose.
- Wide/Standard – everyday photography
- Ultra-Wide – landscapes, architecture, and group shots
- Macro – close-up details
- Telephoto – real optical zoom without losing quality
Avoid digital zoom, as it reduces clarity. Stick to the lens built for the job.
5. Clean Your Camera Lens Regularly
It sounds basic, but a clean lens can drastically improve your photo quality.
- Use a microfiber cloth
- Avoid using your clothing
- Clean before important shots
Smudges and fingerprints cause blur, haze, and poor lighting — a quick wipe fixes all of that.
6. Enhance Your Photos With Smart Editing
Editing helps bring out the best in your photos — no overdoing needed.
Adjust simple elements like:
- Brightness and contrast
- Shadows and highlights
- Sharpness
- Colour temperature
- Crop and straighten
For advanced editing, apps like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, and VSCO offer easy tools even beginners can use.
You don’t need a professional camera to take stunning photos. With just these six techniques — using the right modes, perfecting composition, mastering focus, choosing the correct lens, keeping things clean, and applying thoughtful edits — you can dramatically improve your mobile photography.
