7 secrets for improving smartphone pictures

Chances are, you have your cellphone with you more often than you do your standalone camera. Don't fret—use these simple tips to improve your phone photos.

Though convenient and readily accessible, cellphones often get a bad rap for their so-called inferior cameras.

• Since you probably carry your phone around with you 24/7, it's more likely to be handy  to capture those special vacation moments than your camera.
• Many cellphone photos are just as good as those on high-quality cameras, and with that in mind, here are seven tips for producing a cellphone photo guaranteed to impress your friends.

You can add lenses (fish eye and wide angle are two types), remotes and more—even a scuba suit for underwater photos. You can also download apps.

• For example, some apps add blur, though you can do it manually by independently locking focus and exposure.
• Other apps provide functions such as colour enhancement and panning for movement shots.

One issue with many cellphones is a weaker zoom function, so get closer if you can.

• This approach also helps you notice details you may otherwise have missed.

For great pictures, you should still use traditional photography tricks.

• The rule of thirds concept relies on the fact that a strong photo is composed of three elements that each take up about a third of a photo.
• For example: a forest in the upper third, a red picnic blanket in the middle third, and a river in the lower third.
• Put your subject a little off-centre but near an axis point. A cellphone grid can be helpful until you intrinsically master the technique.

Just like with a regular camera, you may have to wait a long time for great cellphone shots. One advantage, however, is that cellphones are small and handy.

• Experiment with small spaces, angles and varying heights.

These design elements entice observers to really look at a photo and often create a sense of movement.

• They lead the gaze on a trip around the photo by adding visual aesthetics.

Don't avoid shade or cloudy conditions—natural light may be too rough.

• Just don't overdo the shade. Good spots are under trees, in alleyways and in a house next to a big window.

Even slight movement can make a picture turn out poorly.

• In addition to a tripod or steady grip, maintain slow and steady breathing while snapping away.

One important thing to remember is to inspect your photos on a computer or larger screen even if you think they don't look good.

• Photos that look terrible on low-resolution phone screens can take on new lives once you enhance their resolution.