It wasn’t that long ago that flip phone cameras took the kind of blurry photos usually reserved for photos of Bigfoot and UFOs. However, smartphone camera technology has come a long way in just a few years, with today’s Android phones often capable of delivering truly professional images. That’s not to say that filming on an Android device guarantees impressive results. Knowing various tricks can help you maximize the vibrancy of photos taken via an Android device’s camera.
Be aware that factors like a device’s manufacturer will also influence how you approach smartphone photography. For example, there are Samsung-specific camera settings that you can adjust to improve your photos. Likewise, there are hidden features of Google Pixel that you can exploit to take better photos. That said, the recommendations presented here can be applied to virtually any Android device. If you want photos from your Android smartphone’s camera to appear, remember this the next time you’re in a photo shoot or just capturing a spontaneous moment.
Try experimenting with HDR photos
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Shooting in high dynamic range (HDR) mode increases the level of detail a camera can capture across the full range of observable colors. As such, enabling HDR mode is often a simple but powerful way to add more depth and overall vibrancy to photos taken with Android device cameras.
The general way to enable HDR mode (although the specific steps may vary slightly from device to device) is to open the camera settings menu on your phone. Somewhere in the menu you should see an option to turn “Auto HDR” on or off. Turn it on and start taking photos to see how HDR images compare to those taken in the default camera mode.
Be aware that HDR is not necessarily ideal for all subjects and all settings. For example, one way to take spectacular photos with smartphone cameras is to photograph silhouettes. However, HDR mode tends to bring out the type of detail you don’t want in a silhouette photo, ruining the contrast that makes silhouette photography so striking. Additionally, HDR can sometimes erase shadows that you might want to keep.
In other words, enabling HDR mode isn’t a quick fix that guarantees all your photos will look stunning. That said, in cases where high contrast prevents you from capturing the level of detail you want, this can be a powerful tool. Experiment with HDR to get a better idea of when to use it and when not.
Enable gridlines
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Professional photographers know that proper composition and framing are among the most important aspects of their profession. Even if you choose a strong subject with good lighting, your photos may appear flat if the way elements are arranged in the frame is less than ideal. This is why photographers often apply common principles like the “rule of thirds,” in which they break the frame into horizontal and vertical thirds by imagining a grid on the frame. Strategically placing key visual elements in the frame along these gridlines can make them stand out more. A simple example would be an image of a flower in which the stem aligns with one of the vertical grids, perhaps with the petals framed at the intersection of a vertical and horizontal grid.
Fortunately, you don’t need to see a grid on the frame when you take a photo with an Android camera. Although Android devices offer different grid options, all Android device cameras allow users to enable gridlines in the camera settings. Enabling gridlines can help you make more conscious and intentional choices when composing your photos.
Remember to keep the lens clean
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Some of the most effective tips for improving your Android camera photos are also some of the most basic. Users may not realize how much the camera lens can become stained by frequent use. Every time you pick up your phone, you risk leaving part of a fingerprint on the lens. These spots can affect the contrast and detail of an image.
Fortunately, you don’t need any special equipment to clean your device’s camera lens. A microfiber cloth is ideal for this task. If you don’t have one on hand, a clean t-shirt will also work.
In an era where digital cameras from the 2000s are making a comeback, it’s worth remembering that Android devices offer truly powerful cameras. Even if you embrace the resurgence of compact digital cameras, it’s unlikely you’ll always have one on you. On the other hand, your Android phone is probably nearby more often than not. When the urge to take a photo arises, these tips will help you capture images that truly live up to your expectations.
