It’s crazy, the cameras on phones these days are absolutely amazing, right? From flagships to mid-range, the specs are top-notch. But, just having a sophisticated tool doesn’t automatically make your photos a masterpiece, guys. I’ve tried various gadgets many times, and based on my experience, the key is understanding the fundamentals of photography plus a little bit of my Boogeng ‘touch’. So, this time I want to share 5 phone photography tips that I guarantee will level up your photos, making it feel like you’re taking pictures with a professional camera!
- Master the “Rule of Thirds” Composition
This is like the basics, but it instantly makes your photos stand out! Instead of just putting the subject in the middle, try imagining your phone screen divided into nine equal squares using two vertical and two horizontal lines. Well, instead of in the center, try placing your main subject in one of the lines, or even better, at the intersection of those lines. Seriously, the results will look more natural, balanced, and visually appealing. You’ll definitely love this too, because it automatically makes your photos more ‘narrative’ and less stiff! - Pay Attention to Lighting
This is it, the lifeblood of every photo: LIGHT! I often see people taking photos under the scorching midday sun. The result? Harsh shadows, grumpy faces, it’s not good at all. Trust me, the best time is during the “golden hour” — about an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset. The light is soft, warm, and gives the subject a beautiful dimension. It’s magic! If you’re indoors, don’t worry! Just find natural light from a window. Bring your subject closer to that light source, and the results will definitely be better. You’ll definitely love this too, because the right light makes your skin glow up automatically! - Clean Your Lens!
Okay, this is a tip that’s sometimes overlooked, but seriously, this is a game-changer and I often get caught off guard myself! Our phone lenses are often exposed to fingerprints, dust from pockets, or oil. If it’s dirty, the photos automatically blur and become foggy, which is annoying, right? So, before taking a shot, get used to wiping your lens with a soft microfiber cloth. Simple, but effective! You’ll definitely love this too, because your photos will be super clear, no more of that mysterious ‘foggy’ effect that’s unclear! - Use Manual or Pro Mode
This is what gets me even more excited! Don’t just stick to auto mode all the time, guys. The majority of modern phones, especially those released by September 2025, will definitely have a ‘Pro’ or ‘Manual’ mode that’s much more sophisticated. This is like giving us the keys to a race car to explore the potential of your phone’s camera. You can adjust ISO (light sensitivity), shutter speed (shutter speed), and white balance (color balance). Believe me, understanding these basics will give you insane creative freedom to make photos exactly as you imagine. It’s so worth trying! You’ll definitely love this too, because you can create unique and very personal photo effects, like slow motion water or light trails! - Do Simple Editing
Last but not least, this is the finishing touch that makes your photos even more on point! Honestly, photos rarely come out perfect straight from the camera. Editing applications like Adobe Lightroom Mobile (even the free version is already very powerful!), Snapseed, or even the built-in editing features in the phone gallery that will become more sophisticated in 2025, are very important. You don’t need to be an editing expert! Just slightly increase the exposure (brightness), contrast for more punch, saturation to make the colors more vibrant, or even a little sharpening. The effect? Very different! Your photos will look more professional and ‘pop’. You’ll definitely love this too, because these simple edits can make your photos instantly ready to be uploaded to Instagram or a portfolio!
