How to Take Better Photos with Your Smartphone

We’ve all been there—scrolling through your phone’s gallery only to realize that the pictures you took during special moments didn’t turn out as expected. They’re blurry, poorly framed, or feature random people in the background. Don’t worry; you can still salvage your photo-taking game with a few simple tricks. Here’s how to capture better photos using your smartphone:

1. Use Your Phone’s Timer

One of the simplest ways to improve your photos is by using your smartphone’s built-in timer. This helps you avoid handing your phone to a stranger or rushing to press the button, leading to poorly framed shots.

On iPhone:

• Open the Camera app and tap the arrow at the top.
• Scroll through the menu and tap the clock icon.
• Select a 10-second delay.
• After the countdown, your phone will automatically take a 10-photo burst. Review the burst and choose the best shots by tapping “Select” at the bottom right.

On Android:

• Open the Camera app and find the Timer option.
• Choose a delay (two, five, or 10 seconds) and let the countdown begin.

Using the timer gives you time to pose, arrange your scene, or simply get into the frame without rushing.

2. Focus on Stability

A stable phone is the key to sharp, clear images. Using a tripod is a game-changer for getting professional-looking shots without blur.

• Affordable Option: You can find inexpensive tripods that double as selfie sticks and come with wireless remotes.
• Top-of-the-Line Option: For those wanting to capture pro-quality video and photos, consider a tripod with a stabilizing gimbal for maximum smoothness.

No more balancing your phone on random objects—you’ll have a secure setup for every shot.

3. Capture Genuine Smiles

We’ve all heard the classic “say cheese,” but this often results in forced or fake smiles. Instead, make your subjects laugh naturally by cracking a joke about eight seconds into the timer countdown. For example, say something light-hearted like, “I love to go Komando!” and watch how everyone’s expression brightens.

Alternatively, use words that end in “-uh” sounds, like “yoga,” to create more natural-looking smiles.

4. Clean Up Your Pics

After capturing your photo, you may notice some unwanted objects in the background, like a beer bottle or a random person. Fortunately, there are easy ways to touch up your