Before Your Begin
Learn The Basics
Ready to turn your everyday phone into a powerful photography tool? Whether you're just starting out or already capturing scroll-stopping shots, you're in the right place.
Starting with the basics is an important step - from mastering the focus button and cleaning your lens (yes, it really makes a difference!) to learning how to frame a shot and embrace your personal style, we’ll walk you through the foundational habits that help every image shine. No fancy gear needed—just your phone, your curiosity, and a willingness to try new things!
Skill Level
Virtually all of our tips are easy for everyone to learn; however, some of our tips are organized by Skill Level—Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced—so that you can dive into advice that’s perfect for you. You’ll also find guidance based on subject type (like flowers, kids, or food), making it easy to explore what inspires you most.
Remember that we teach “phone-tography” skills - so grab your cell phone (Android and Apple) and enjoy!
📱Beginner
Let’s Get Started!
Beginners are taking their first steps.
This is the stage where you're learning the basics of your phone camera.
You might not be familiar yet with things like settings, composition, or lighting—and that’s totally okay!
This is the perfect place to explore and learn at your own pace.
🎨Intermediate
Let’s Have Fun!
You've got the basics down—nice work!
Now it’s time to get creative.You’re starting to try out cool features like Portrait mode, Panorama, or Macro shots.
This is the fun phase where you can begin experimenting with different styles and settings.
🚀Advanced
Let’s Experiment!
You’re a photo pro in the making!
With a strong grasp of photography principles, you're ready to dive into manual adjustments like exposure, ISO, and shutter speed.You’re confident in crafting bold, dynamic images that really stand out.
No matter where you are on your photography journey, there’s always room to grow.
Explore the tips and tricks for your level, and you will start to watch your skills shine!
“A good photographer records; a great photographer reveals.”
Quick Tips
Embarking on photography requires attention to foundational practices to ensure quality results.
🎯Tap To Focus
To keep your subject sharp and clear, use your phone’s focus feature!
Just tap on your subject (For example, the subject’s face) right before taking the photo. A circle or square will appear to show what’s in focus—making sure the most important part of your image is crystal clear. This is especially important when using the Rule of Thirds Compositional Principle which encourages an offset subject.
👕Clean Your Lens
A quick lens clean = a clearer photo!
Dust and fingerprints can blur your shot, so give your camera lens a gentle wipe before snapping.
No cloth? No problem—a soft part of your shirt works just fine in a pinch!
Naples, Florida: In the image on the left, the lens was not clean. Using the soft t-shirt we happen to be wearing, we cleaned the lens and immediately took the image on the right. The clean lens avoided the streaks of light you see in the left image. Soiled lenses are more apparent at night.
⏳ Take Your Time
Slow down and frame your shot with care. Pay attention to the lighting, background, composition, and focus. Aim to capture the image just how you want it—in the moment, not just in editing later.
🎨 Try to Experiment
Try new angles, switch up your settings, and play with different subjects. Photography is all about discovery, so don’t be afraid to get creative and see what happens!
📸Take Lots of Pictures
One of the best parts of phone photography? It’s free! Take lots of pictures—it boosts your chances of getting that perfect shot and gives you tons to learn from. Practice makes powerful photos!
“The whole point of taking a picture is so that you don’t have to explain things in words.”
Personal Style
Aomori, Japan: The Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, located near Aomori Station in the Aomori Waterfront area, is dedicated to the vibrant, illuminated floats featured in the annual Nebuta Matsuri—one of Japan’s most iconic summer festivals.
The wide-angle photo above contrasts with the earlier close-up images on this page, highlighting an intentional element of our photographic style. By first presenting detailed, background-free shots of the floats, we invite the viewer to focus solely on the craftsmanship and vivid artistry. Only when the wide-angle image is revealed does the viewer grasp the true scale of these magnificent works—creating a moment of surprise and appreciation for both the art and its enormity.
Everyone who takes enough images will have a style, even an amateur photographer using a mobile phone. Rather than consciously striving to establish a personal style, allow it to emerge organically through consistent practice. By taking a multitude of photos across different scenarios, you'll begin to notice patterns in your preferences and techniques. Over time, these recurring choices will coalesce into a distinctive style that reflects your unique perspective. This approach fosters authenticity, as your style develops naturally from your experiences and inclinations, rather than being artificially constructed.
Embracing the habits listed above will enhance your skills and lead to more satisfying photographic outcomes.
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”