Good news: you don’t need a complicated (or expensive!) camera to take frame-worthy photos. Smartphone cameras have come a long way—and there are also several easy-to-use features that make getting that perfect shot a breeze. Here’s what you need to know.
INSTANTLY OPEN YOUR CAMERA APP
Most smartphones have a hot key or swipe gesture that will open your camera app without having to unlock your phone, which ensures you don’t miss any action. Find out how it works with a tutorial specific to your phone’s model.
USE A GRID TO FRAME YOUR SHOTS
Many camera apps have the option of using a grid-line overlay. Activate it to help keep the horizon straight and ensure unimportant elements don’t dominate.
TRY BURST MODE
If you’re trying to capture an image with movement (for example, people jumping or animals prowling), burst mode allows you to take many photos at once instead of relying on your own timing.
TAP YOUR SCREEN TO FOCUS
This way, it’s looking where you are. Bonus tip: If a person or animal is your subject, always focus on the eyes.
MORE TO READ
Easy tips for taking your travel photos to the next level
DON’T FORGET VIDEO
Camera phones allow you to capture sound and movement, too. Take advantage of both still and video capture to tell the full story of your travels.
NEVER USE PINCH AND ZOOM
This will only make your final image smaller, effectively losing detail. Instead, think about getting closer or using a clip-on third-party zoom lens.
GO BEYOND FILTER
You can edit photos right from your camera app. Think about making shadows deeper for a moody feeling or saturating a sunset to really make the sky pop.
HOW TO SAVE
Add to your kit: Need cell phone accessories? AMA members save up to 20% online and in-store at The Source.
Upgrade your gear: If you’re in the market for a new camera or lenses instead, AMA members earn 1% in reward dollars online with Canon Canada.