How to Take Great Pictures with Your Cell Phone

Step 1: Set your camera phone Set your camera phone to take the highest quality (and largest file size) photo possible.
Step 2: Clean your camera lens Make sure your camera lens is clean—and that you know exactly where it is!
Step 3: Arrange your subjects Arrange your subjects or scene as you see fit.
Step 4: Make sure there’s plenty of light Make sure there’s plenty of light. If you have a flash, turn it on, and stand with whatever other light source is around behind you, so it shines on your subject.
TIP: Don’t block the light with your own body, casting shadows on your subject.
Step 5: Get in close Get in close so that the subject is in full-frame.
Step 6: Use the rule of thirds Use the rule of thirds, framing your subject in either the left or right third of the frame, not dead center—creating a more interesting picture.
TIP: If you’re shooting a celebrity at a club, use the rule of fourths—if the bodyguard is four times your size, don’t take the picture.
Step 7: Keep the camera steady Keep the camera as steady as possible—the less movement the better, so stabilize yourself as best you can.
Step 8: Snap your shot Snap your shot and hope for the best—or the worst, as the case may be.
FACT: Both Sharp and Kyocera introduced the first camera phones in 1997.

Lessons in this Guide