Smartphones accounted for 94% of all photos taken worldwide, with the average American snapping 20 photos per day. However, despite capturing so many shots, it’s common to end up with blurry, poorly lit, or uninspiring pictures.
Many people think they need a high-end camera or better photography skills, and don’t realize their smartphone can take printworthy photos with a little know-how.
From lighting and composition to focus and editing, these 18 phone photography tips will help you learn how to turn everyday moments into print-worthy images.
1. Clean your lens
Before you start snapping, give that phone lens a quick wipe. It’s one of the simplest photography tips for beginners that makes a big difference.
Remember, your phone spends most of its time collecting pocket lint, dust, and fingerprints. Even if you do everything else right, a smudged lens can make the photo look blurry.
Creative cue: Use a soft microfiber cloth (or the inside of your shirt in a pinch) to gently clean your lens before taking a shot.
2. Use natural light
Skip the harsh overhead bulbs when you can; photos almost always look better in natural light. Early mornings or the hour before sunset cast a softer glow that brings out detail and warmth without relying on heavy edits.
Certain angles can cause shadows, though, so you’ll want to stand with the sunlight behind your camera (having your subject facing the light source) to help illuminate the shot.
According to photography expert Chase Jarvis, "The best camera is the one that's with you," underscoring the importance of leveraging natural light with the camera you have.
Creative cue: If you’re shooting midday, look for open shade (like under a tree or next to a building). This can help you capture that soft, even light without the harshness of direct sun.
3. Use the rule of thirds
If you haven’t heard about the rule of thirds, it’s a game-changer for turning average photos into showstoppers (or, shall we say, scroll-stoppers).
The principle is simply imagining your screen divided into a 3x3 grid, like a tic-tac-toe board, and placing the most interesting subject in one-third of the shot.
This easy cell phone photography technique adds balance and makes a photo feel more intentional.
Creative cue: Go into your phone’s camera settings and turn on the grid overlay before capturing the shot. This tiny tweak makes framing your photos much easier.
4. Tap to focus and adjust exposure
Your phone’s camera is smart, but not that smart. If you just point and snap, it’ll guess what to focus on and what the brightness should be.
This is why tapping on your subject before you take the shot is a must—it’ll tell your camera exactly where to focus when lighting is tricky. Photography educator John Greengo advises, "Always tap to focus and adjust exposure to get the best possible shot."
When you tap on the screen, you’ll usually see the exposure controls (either a little sun icon or a slider pop-up). You can easily slide it up and down to make the photo brighter or darker.
Creative cue: Whenever a person’s face is lost in the shadows, a quick and easy fix is simply tapping on it and dragging the exposure slider until it looks clearer.
5. Use portrait mode
Portrait mode is your phone’s not-so-secret weapon for making everyday shots look instantly more professional.
It mimics that dreamy DSLR-style depth by softly blurring the background, making your subject pop. Portrait mode is most effective when there’s a clear outline and some space between the subject and the background.
Creative cue: Tap the screen to focus on your subject before snapping the pic. This ensures the camera locks in on the right spot and gives you that crisp, clean look.
6. Avoid zooming
Zoom might seem like a handy shortcut, but it’s a fast track to grainy, low-quality photos on most phones.
That’s because digital zoom crops the pic rather than bringing the subject closer to you, losing sharpness and detail. If you can, take a few steps toward the subject instead to keep the shot crisp.
Creative cue: If getting closer isn’t an option, snap the photo without the zoom option and crop it later—you’ll have more control and a better chance of saving the quality.
7. Try different perspectives and angles
Sometimes, the best way to level up your phone photos is to change how you see things.
“We’ve learned the best prints don’t require professional cameras; they come from intentional photos. Lighting, focus, and composition go a long way,” says Leslie Albertson, Director of Brand Marketing at Mixbook.
Instead of snapping everything as is, experiment with shooting overhead, low on the ground, or super close to highlight textures and details. A new angle may just turn an ordinary photo into an eye-catching shot.
Creative cue: Use your phone’s gridlines to help keep your composition balanced, even when you’re tilting or bending to get the shot.
8. Take burst shots
If your subject is unsure about how to pose for pictures, burst mode is the key. It takes a rapid series of photos, so you’re more likely to catch that perfect split-second moment. Unlike single-shot mode, bursts give you options, especially in unpredictable scenes.
Creative cue: Hold down the shutter button (or swipe, depending on your phone type) to activate burst mode, then scroll through later and pick the keeper.
9. Use a tripod or prop your phone
A tripod can make all the difference if you’re tired of balancing your phone on a stack of books (and those shaky shots that come with it). Keeping your phone stable helps you capture sharper, more polished shots, especially in low light or when using a timer.
Creative cue: No tripod? No problem. Try propping your phone against a weighted water bottle or coffee mug instead. This way, you can use the self-timer for a hands-free, steady snap.
10. Edit photos with care
Sure, editing can help hide minor flaws, but it’s more about bringing out the best in your photo without making it look overdone.
“Subtle adjustments to brightness, contrast, and cropping will translate beautifully to the page, while over-editing can make photos look unnatural once printed,” says Raffi Apelian, Senior Content Marketing Manager at Mixbook.
A few small tweaks to brightness, contrast, and cropping can seriously enhance your shot without making it feel Photoshopped. It’s like seasoning your food—you want just enough to boost the flavor, not drown it out.
Creative cue: Download a free photo editing app with more selective edits and filters than your phone’s default tools. With Mixbook Studio™, you can easily upload and enhance your photos, then turn them into personalized cards, custom photo books, and more.
11. Adjust exposure
Exposure might sound intimidating, but it’s just a way of controlling how light or dark your photo looks.
Too bright, and you’ll lose details in the highlights (hello, blown-out skies); too dark, and your photo might look muddy or gloomy. Phones tend to overexpose bright scenes, especially outdoors, so feel free to dial it down a bit.
Creative cue: Before you shoot, tap your subject on the screen to manually adjust the exposure. Simply slide your finger up and down until it looks just right.
12. Shoot in RAW
If you really want to level up your phone photography, try shooting in RAW. Unlike JPEGs, RAW files hold onto more image data, giving you more wiggle room to tweak lighting and other details later without sacrificing the quality. It’s a reliable go-to when the lighting isn’t perfect, like indoors.
Creative cue: When shooting in RAW, remember there are no auto-filters or sharpening features—what you snap is what you get. For this reason, consider using a tripod or another stable prop to avoid motion blur.
13. Keep your background simple
A cluttered background can make even the best shot feel overwhelming. When there’s too much going on behind your subject, the focus gets pulled in all the wrong directions. To avoid visual distractions, try switching to a clean, minimal backdrop, like a plain wall or open sky, that lets your subject pop.
Creative cue: If you can’t move your subject, try changing your angle or getting closer to it instead. This will help crop out the background chaos.
14. Use HDR mode
High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode is your secret weapon when shooting scenes with tricky lighting, like a bright sky and shady spot within the same frame. HDR blends multiple exposures to keep both the highlights and shadows just right. With this mode, you can say goodbye to mysterious dark faces.
Creative cue: For the best results, hold your phone steady while HDR does its thing. You can also turn on the gridlines to help keep your shot level.
15. Use nature's elements
Sometimes nature gives you top-notch photo props, and they're always free and much more interesting than a blank wall.
Simple elements like leaves, branches, or even shadows can help frame your subject, add depth, or create a soft, dreamy feel. It’s an easy way to make your photos look intentional without doing much.
Creative cue: Consider holding a flower or leaf close to your lens (but out of focus) to create a subtle blur that naturally draws eyes to your subject.
16. Be mindful of shadows
While shadows can serve as excellent natural props, they can make or break your photo depending on how you capture them. Harsh shadows across faces or important details may dim your subject or pull attention where you don’t want it.
To avoid this, adjust your or the subject’s position toward the light source. Standing near a white surface, such as a wall, can also help bounce light and fill in those unwanted shadows.
Creative cue: If the light is too strong, use something simple like a draped white T-shirt or napkin to gently diffuse it—instant softbox vibes.
17. Use a self-timer
A self-timer is your best friend when you want to be in the photo and still have it look like a professional shot. It gives you time to set up and get everyone in place without rushing.
As photography instructor Scott Kelby says, "Using a self-timer is a great way to ensure you get the shot without the need for someone else to take it."
They’re super handy for family photos and solo adventures to get a more intentional feel (without the arm-length angle).
When using the self-timer, set your phone on a tripod, or prop it up on a steady surface to prevent it from falling mid-snap.
Creative cue: Use the 10-second or even longer option to give yourself a little breathing room.
18. Practice often
Like any hobby or skill, the more you practice taking photos, the better you get at it. Over time, you’ll develop an eye for good lighting, the right angles, and camera settings.
“One of the most rewarding parts of photography is seeing your progress through print. Mixbook customers love creating albums that tell the story of how their skills improve over time,” says Leslie Albertson, Director of Brand Marketing at Mixbook.
Just snap a few shots every day of things that catch your eye, from your morning cup of joe to the way the sunlight hits your floor.
Creative cue: Want to track your progress? Create a dedicated album on your phone of your favorite shots to see how you've improved and how your photography style has changed over time.
Turn your phone photos into lasting keepsakes with Mixbook
Great photos come from a mix of smart choices like adjusting exposure, playing with angles and shadows, and testing out different modes. With these phone photography tips and a little practice, you’ll learn to capture life’s special moments in a way that feels thoughtful and natural.
These everyday photos deserve more than a scroll-by on your camera roll. They’re your real-life keepsakes, and turning them into something tangible, like a custom coffee table photo book, makes those memories stick in the most meaningful way.
Bring your favorite shots into a photo book project with Mixbook and transform your work into home decor, special gifts, and more.
