Most devices today have a camera attached to them in some form or another, including laptops, tablets, and of course cell phones. While they may not have the capability of a DSLR, cell phone cameras are becoming quite impressive, making the need for point and shoot cameras almost obsolete for everyday users. The popularity of taking cell phone photos and the ability to share pictures instantly on social media and with family and friends has led cell phone companies to continually produce better smartphone cameras.

Some of the best camera phones of 2016 are shooting with at least a 12 megapixel rear camera, up to 4k (ultra HD) video, 1080p, and some cameras can shoot video at 60 frames per second.

Take advantage of your cell phone camera and learn how to take better cell phone photos with these 7 tips.

1. Try Landscape Position

Using a smartphone to take cell phone photos means that you have the option to shoot in the traditional cell phone position or in landscape position. As you know, photography is all about perspective, and sometimes that perspective is best when the landscape position is used.

Don't be afraid to tilt your screen to see which position will be best for your photo. Landscape position sometimes provides a better aspect ratio for the photo you are trying to produce. Landscape position is also an excellent choice for shooting video with your phone.

2. Don't Use Zoom

In most cases you should avoid using the zoom feature for your cell phone photos. Smartphones do not manually zoom like DSLR cameras, and therefore zooming in on something tends to produce lower-quality pixelated photos.

If you want to keep your photo quality high, don't zoom in.

3. Use Natural Lighting

Aim for soft, natural lighting when you're taking photos. Outside, shade or an overcast sky are the best conditions for great pictures. Inside, take pictures near a window or open door, with any artificial light eliminated (artificial bulbs turned off).

In general, the same conditions that create great DSLR photos can also produce great cell phone photos. Use flash only when it's absolutely necessary, as it creates harsh lighting. Even in low light situations, you may find that not using the flash creates a better image.

Look for natural sources of light to add to the scene. If you're unsure of whether or not to use the flash, try taking the photo both ways and see which one looks better.

4. Hold Your Phone Steady

One area where cell phone cameras are usually lacking is in motion stabilization. Therefore it's important to hold your phone steady whenever you're taking a photo.

Consider investing in a mini cell phone tripod stand if you're serious about cell phone photography.

5. Clean the Lens

We carry our cell phones everywhere we go. They are in and out of our pockets, purses, cars, houses, and who-knows-where-else all day long. The lens is going to get dirty on a pretty regular basis.

Get in the practice of cleaning the lens before taking any important photos. The last thing you want is a dirty lens getting in the way of a perfectly good shot.

6. Change the Focus

When most people want to take a picture with their phone, they turn on the camera, set up their shot, and immediately take the picture. However, you could be getting a much better or more interesting picture if you learn how to change the focal point of your shot.

At the very least, make sure that your focal point is set to the subject of your shot. The focal point doesn't just change the focus. It also has a bearing on the lighting adjustments that your camera makes. If you want to experiment a little bit further with photography, play around with the focal point to focus or blur various parts of your subject matter.

7. Post Processing

Once you've mastered the art of taking a good photo, only half of your work is finished. The key to getting great cell phone photos to share with family and friends is editing. Post processing adjustments to your photos can take them from good to great.

Try out some photo editing apps and pick a favorite to use for editing your photos. You can adjust white balance, colors, saturation, and hue, as well as apply filters, effects, frames, and more.

Click here to read about my 4 favorite android photo editing apps of 2016.

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What tips do you have for taking better cell phone photos?

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Vanessa Pruitt, PLMHP, MS

Vanessa is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner in Nebraska and holds an MS in Clinical Psychology. She is a certified trauma professional with a special interest in helping people heal from trauma and complex trauma.

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