I've loved photography ever since I can remember. Although I learned a lot in college about professional cameras and photography–especially about technique and development–I have to admit, for a busy mom there is no better tool than a cell phone when it comes to taking photos I'd be proud enough to feature in any magazine!
Of course you want to document your first family trip to your homeland, your sons kindergarten graduation, your new manicure or a sunset that left your breathless, and you want your photos to be true to life, colorful and full of all the beautiful depth that you remember in real life. Luckily, it's so much easier than you could possibly imagine to capture all of these precious moments in all their glory. After the break, I'll share some great tips on how to get your camera phone pictures to look like they belong in a magazine spread!
Read more ¿Qué más? SEE: Dad photographs daughter in most powerful photo series
As a photographer who has published photos in magazines and newspapers (and even right here on this blog!), I just HAD to figure out how to get the very best shots. But believe me when I say I've made ALL the mistakes in the world when it comes to taking pictures. The tips in the gallery below are a result of all the trial and error I've gone through trying to take the best photo I possibly can. I know they will help you, just check them out and let me know how they work for you!
NOTE: Put your shooting skills to the test with this fun community challenge! If chosen, your photos will be posted right here on this website & you'll shine like a professional photographer. GO & participate now!
Images via Johanna Torres
Always be ready!
The best thing about modern technology is that you always have a camera ready since you always have your cell phone with you! So, why would you wait for a special occasion to take a picture and capture those special moments in your life? The best photos come from our desire to capture every day, regular activities—you never know, sometimes these photos wind up being our very favorites. Take a little time familiarizing yourself with the different option available to you with your camera phone. Practice taking pictures under different lighting situation and different distances so that when it comes time to capture that perfect moment, you are ready and your photos come out looking great!
Study your subject and work around it
Taking pictures of an orderly, seated group is NOT the same as trying to capture a frantic gaggle of toddlers running around the playground. Look for angles that give you the best perspective. Take a few steps back or climb some stairs if it helps. Get on your knees or site on the ground to get on the same level as your kids. You'll be shocked at how different your photos look when you just make those little efforts to create intimacy with your subject. Taking a step back also really helps give you a different perspective and may open up angles and options not available to someone right in the thick of the action. Taking great photos of your kids requires a TON of patience. Be prepared to take TONS of pictures in order to get to the PERFECT shot.
Pay attention to lighting & adjust as necessary
What good does a photo do if you can't appreciate it because it's too dark or washed out? Decide whether or not your situation makes sense to use the flash on your phone or not. For a more natural look, I try to avoid using my flash. So, make sure to try to take your photo from whatever angle offers the most natural light, move your subject if necessary and remember: NEVER take a photo with the light source behind your subject! Unless what you're looking for is a silhouette, cause that's what you will get.
Focus on details
Finding beauty in details may seem like an art form in itself, but try really hard not to ignore the things that may seem small, but can tell us so much: the wrinkles on your abuelita's face, rain drops, the wet nose of a cute puppy. Capture those details by getting up close & personal and contrast them with a clean, simple background. For example, a photo of a gorgeous new manicure looks BEST when you contrast it with the clean background of your jean skirt or a black wallet. This helps the color on your nails really pop and will help make your mani the focal point of your photo,
Work on your composition
Make sure that the foreground in your photos is free of clutter or anything that can confuse the overall look of the photo. For example: Who wants to see a garbage can in the foreground of a gorgeous picture of your beautiful boy at his First comunion? Also, pay attention to the background. Tree branches can look like horns in that great photo you took of your grandpa in the park. All of this can be easily avoided as long as your pay attention to the composition. Before you take your photo, move your camera left and right—a few inches can make sure that there aren't any big distractions in your composition. At the same time, some of these additional details can really help enhance your photos, you just want to be aware of everything that's in the frame and look for balance.
Take time editing your photos and adding special effects
Some of my very favorite apps for taking photos with my smart phone include: Camera+, InstaEffects, moreBeaute2, Pixlromatic. I use them ALL the time to crop photos, add filters and effects and sometimes I even use more than one app on a single photo to really make it special. Play around and I'm sure you'll have tons of fun creating gorgeous memories your family will cherish.
