Instagram has changed the world. Seriously.
Before Instagram, I would take hundreds of pictures at every event and upload them to an album at the end of the week and call it “Christmas Break” or “Date Night.” I have thousands of photos on my personal Facebook page of the same pictures over and over. Luke opening his first birthday present, Luke opening his second birthday present, then his third, fourth, etc.
The unspoken rule of Instagram is 1-2 posts max per day or your friends are annoyed and unfollow. There are exceptions, but the point is LIMIT. This teaches us to be selective, creative and interesting.
More people are posting pictures than ever before. So today I’d like to talk about iPhoneography tips… how to take better photos using our iPhones.
“iPhoneography is the art of creating photos with an Apple iPhone. This style of mobile photography that differs from other forms of digital photography in that images are shot and processed on the iOS device.”
Tips to taking better photos with your phone
Tap to Focus
For sharper, in-focus photos tap on the subject that you want in focus. If you don’t tap to focus, the iPhone will choose the focus point for you. Sometimes they are correct, but many times they are not. This also will help expose the main focus point properly.
If you want to really narrow the focus, use your “tilt shift” effect in Instagram to blur the surrounding area.
Get on their level
So many pictures of children are taken from above…looking down on them.
To make your photos more interesting get on their level! Crouch down. Make eye contact.
Try Different Angles
Shoot from the side, from above, from below. Mix up angles and perspectives.
Lead the viewer to the subject
LINES! Use lines to lead the viewer to the subject. Horizon lines, crib lines, hallway lines, fences, roads. There are lines everywhere!!
Rule of Thirds
Make your photos more interesting by off-balancing the photo.
Remove distracting elements
Sometimes you can’t control what’s in the background, but when you can it makes all the difference. By changing perspective, zooming in, walking in closer and tilting your phone in just the right way, you can eliminate things in the photo that are distracting. Signs, toys, wall plugs, faucets. Keep the background of a photo simple.
Use Burst Mode
Hold down your shutter button to take hundreds of photos in seconds. After you are done, you can go through and select the ones you love and it will delete the rest. Burst mode was invented for toddlers….
BE REAL!
Capture emotion. If motion shows emotion, it’s okay for a little blur. Its okay if your house isn’t clean. It’s okay if your kids have dirt all over their face. It’s okay if you don’t have your hair and make up done. In my opinion the most beautiful photos have nothing to do with composition and everything to do with the story being told!
App Stacking
You bet I edit my photos before I upload them. I like my photos bright! My favorite apps are Aviary, VSCOcam and of course, Instagram.
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Tips to Taking Better Pictures with your Phone
Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of.
December 3, 2015
Kylee Maughan
