Subjects Overview

Adapting Techniques, Lighting & Modes

The subject of your photo plays a huge role in determining the best techniques, lighting, and camera settings to use. Whether your goal is better selfies, or works of art, we have what you need to improve!

Bratislava, Slovakia: Images from a streetside flowers market as capture from various distances.

A portrait may require soft, natural lighting and portrait mode to create a flattering background blur, while a cityscape benefits from sharp details and a wide depth of field, often captured best in golden or blue hour. Action shots need fast shutter speeds to freeze movement, whereas macro photography requires precise focus and controlled lighting to bring out intricate textures.

Vienna, Austria: The Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel comes to life in the Blue Hour. The close up image of the car was captured in Food Mode on the Android phone - an unexpected choice which, due to the very shallow depth of field, makes for a captivating image.

Every subject presents an opportunity to experiment—whether it’s using reflections for creative compositions, adjusting white balance to match the mood, or switching to manual settings for full control. The key to compelling photography is understanding what makes your subject unique and using the right tools to showcase it in the best light.

Atlanta, Georgia: The graceful movement of the jellyfish’s tentacles is captured perfectly through the glass by pressing the mobile phone lens directly against the pane—eliminating any gap to avoid flare and reflections.

Gudvangen, Norway: An impressive shield nestled inside a traditional boat in Viking Valley is captured from a unique angle, with the shield prominently in the foreground and the boat artfully framing it.

Learning to see with new eyes is a part of the process as well. Truly celebrate the details and character of each place. Discovering subjects that would otherwise be forgotten becomes half the fun!

Bratislava, Slovakia: The statue of Čumil, the man in the manhole, is located in Bratislava, Slovakia at the corner of Panská 251/1, 811 01 Bratislava. It's in the heart of the old town, near the main square and St. Martin's Cathedral. 

Passau, Germany: Close-up photography isn’t just for insects or flowers—this streetside sculpture, featuring words, highlights the location’s name while showcasing an architectural detail that reflects the city’s style.

Budapest, Hungry: The manhole cover was photographed in close up mode creating a shallow depth of field and a dreamlike effect.

Passau, Germany: Don’t overlook architectural details like doorknobs and knockers. Once again, we used close-up mode to capture and highlight their rich textures and vibrant colors.

Finding the most creative ways to capture your loved ones can create priceless images. Everything from the perfect selfies to immortalizing laughter and joy - these are your moments and they deserve your best!

The images above were taken some time ago with a traditional camera and show various techniques in play; however, a similar effect can easily be achieved with a smart phone. Visit the People section of our website to learn more.

Smart Phone Technology gives us many tools. Matching the right tool with the right with the right subjects unleashes creativity and images like you never imagined.

Canterbury, New Zealand: The scene above was captured using panoramic mode. The location is the famous filming site of The Lord of the Rings. To achieve this shot, we traced a wide arc from left to right, repeating the motion several times until this image stood out as the winner.

Dunedin, New Zealand: First Church of Otago taken in a panoramic mode and using a downward curve technique when capturing the image.

Learn by Subject

We’ve organized these subjects in an easy-to-navigate way so you can capture amazing shots. Please click on Subjects, then “Categories” and scroll to the items you are most interested in learning about. Explore the techniques, tips, tricks and technology as they relate to each subject below. Enjoy!

🎨 Abstracts
Discover patterns, shapes, and colors in everyday life that create eye-catching art.

✈️ Airplanes
Capture incredible views as you soar through the sky.

🏛️ Architecture
Learn to highlight stunning buildings and unique structural details.

🐾 Animals
Snap the charm and personality of furry, feathered, or scaly friends.

👶 Children
Freeze joyful moments and genuine expressions of little ones.

🔍 Close-Ups
Use your mobile to capture tiny details that often go unnoticed.

🌍 Culture
Explore and document traditions, festivals, and the spirit of a place.

🎉 Events
Capture the energy and excitement of celebrations, concerts, and gatherings.

🍽️ Food
Make meals look mouthwatering with bright, detailed food photography.

🌸 Gardens
Frame colorful blooms and tranquil natural scenes perfectly.

🌄 Panoramics
Learn how to capture sweeping scenes of cityscapes, parks, or landscapes.

👥 People
Tell stories through portraits and candid shots of everyday life.

🪞 Reflective
Play with reflections in water, glass, or shiny surfaces for creative effects.

🌅 Scenics
Capture breathtaking views from nature or urban landscapes.

🤳 Selfies
Master the art of taking flattering and fun self-portraits.

🪟 Windows
Use windows as frames or light sources to add interest to your photos.

Learn about each one by visiting our Subject Categories Page.