Learn the secrets to great smartphone photography.

Keep a low profile.

A phone’s smaller size lets you stay under the radar in situations where you might not want to draw attention to yourself with a larger camera. “If you do street photography or you want to be more incognito within the scene, it’s much easier to be discreet taking photos with your phone,” says Tom.

Aperture

Aperture refers to the circular opening within your lens that lets in light. A wider aperture — f/1.8, for example — lets in more light. This means your camera performs better in low light and is able to capture a shallow depth of field. Choose a phone with a wide aperture (also referred to as a low f-stop number) for the most versatility.

Camera lenses

Optical zoom produces much better results than digital zoom, but since phones aren’t big enough to house a telescoping lens, many manufacturers install multiple lenses at different fixed focal lengths. For example, a phone may have a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens. Pick a multi-lens phone to take close-ups or capture large scenes without zooming in and out, which reduces image quality.

Image stabilization

Image stabilization helps combat camera shake, especially in low-light conditions that require a slower shutter speed to gather enough light to produce a good photo. Look for this feature in your smartphone camera to get the most functionality out of it.

Megapixels

Megapixels aren’t the only indicator of image quality, but they are a big factor to consider when choosing between smartphone cameras. Many high-resolution DSLRs can shoot at 46 or even upwards of 60 megapixels. By comparison, most phones are under 20 megapixels. Opt for a higher-megapixel count for greater detail and cropping capabilities.

iPhone camera features

There are several smartphone models made by Apple and the options are constantly evolving. Here are a few things you can almost always count on with an iPhone:

• Powerful Sony sensors for detailed shots
• Macro zoom for photo and video close-ups
• QuickTake video for fast captures
• Manual adjustments like focus and exposure to shoot like a pro
• Mirrored selfie abilities to get yourself looking your best
• Faster shutter speed to capture objects in motion
• Night mode for better shots when it’s dark outside
• Live photos to capture movement and sound
• Portrait mode to mimic a shallow depth of field

Android camera features

Android mobile devices are very different from one another, with a variety of makers, models, and price points. This is one reason they’re popular — diverse options no matter your budget. Because of this wide selection though, camera quality also varies when looking at Android phones across the board. So shop thoughtfully based on your needs. Here are some convenient features you might find in a new Android device:

• Quick launch of the camera app for impromptu shots
• Easy ability to turn on grid lines and location tags
• Automatic HDR (high dynamic range) for varied lighting conditions
• Expandable photo storage so you don’t run out of space
• Pro Mode for controlling camera settings manually
• Live focus for adjusting background blur

Focus on the fundamentals.

Less control on a phone may feel like a disadvantage, but limitations can be freeing. “All you can do is focus on the fundamentals,” says photographer Andrew Kearns. “You start to think so much more about your composition. I always encourage people with a DSLR to start with a prime lens like a 35mm. It’s the same process with a phone.”

Limitations can simplify the process and help you focus on the core tenets of great photos — composition, light, shadow, contrast, scale, emotion, and story. Use this simplicity to your advantage.

Use the tools you’ve got.

Turn on the gridlines in your camera app to help compose your shots. These visual markers help you nail the rule of thirds. Use HDR mode (high dynamic range) for scenes with really dark areas and really bright areas, like sunsets. On some phones you can even create a time lapse or imitate a shallow depth of field with portrait mode. Challenge yourself to create a photo using any of the features you have handy. You’ll get to know your camera and push yourself creatively much faster.

Invest in smartphone photography accessories.

If you’re ready to take your smartphone photography to the next level, collecting a few extra tools can go a long way. Here are some that can help you achieve your photo goals:

• A smartphone tripod. There are adjustable tripods with connectors made for smartphones, mini-tripods, and even adaptors that can help you connect your smartphone to your DSLR tripod. Take advantage of an extra-still shot with your phone and you’ll see the payoff in your nighttime shots, self-portraits, and more.
• Remote shutter control. To really use your tripod to the best of your ability, get a remote shutter control. Press this remote button to take photos rather than having to touch your phone and potentially shake it.
• Smartphone gimbal. A gimbal is a great investment if you want to take steady handheld photos or videos with your phone. It attaches to your phone and helps it remain level and steady even as you move.
• A portable lighting setup. Light can make all the difference when you’re trying to take an amazing photo. Find a portable and rechargeable lighting setup you can travel with, like a portable LED panel, and aim it at your subjects when needed.
• A portable battery pack. Shooting photos and videos for hours on end can suck up your battery life quickly. When possible, always travel with an outside battery source so you can juice up your phone on the go.

Shoot in RAW format.

For the highest-quality image, shoot in an uncompressed file format. This gives you more latitude to recover highlights and shadows when you edit. Not all smartphones support RAW format, but you can use the Lightroom mobile app to shoot uncompressed, and edit on your phone or computer later. Check out this tutorial to learn how.

Shoot every day.

“It’s the easiest way and the best way to practice,” says Tom. “And the more you do it, the better you’ll get.” Because your phone is always on hand, it couldn’t be easier to integrate photography into your everyday routine. Whether you snap a selfie or grab a few shots on your way to work, there’s no wrong way to be a smartphone photographer. Great photos can come from daily life — you just have to be there with your finger on the shutter button to capture it.

“I shoot way more images that don’t get shared than images that get shared,” adds Kearns. “But I’m always practicing and learning new things. And that will translate into anything personal or professional I do in my work.”