D Scott Carruthers – D. Scott Carruthers Photography

10 Tips for Taking the Best Photos with a Smartphone Camera

Whether looking to take photos of people, events, or products for a small business there tend to be two different schools of thought regarding the use of Smartphones as a camera. The majority of us have seen the comments on various Websites calling for everybody to use a digital SLR camera and lenses but superior results can be obtained using a Smartphone as a camera. D. Scott Carruthers explains how to take the best photos with your cellphone.

Choosing the right phone

The starting point for any photoshoot is to make sure the equipment being used is the correct quality and capable of completing the job it was chosen for. Modern Smartphones have at least eight megapixels of resolution and a range of features which may or may not be important to the photographer; at least eight megapixels are required to create high-quality photos which can be viewed via a screen or printed for a physical print.

Avoid the zoom features

Many Smartphone manufacturers make a feature of the ability to zoom to a high rate but individuals should avoid using this feature on a regular basis as a loss of resolution can be a major problem. Instead of using the zoom feature included on most cameras it is a better idea to take a photo before using editing software to crop the image and reduce the loss of resolution seen when the zoom is used. A large amount of information and focus can be lost when the zoom is used resulting in the pixelated look seen on many images which provides a blocky look to the images.

Accessories are important

Many Smartphone users believe it is as simple as pointing and shooting to get the best image using the camera included on a phone but a little planning can aid any photographer in getting the best image. Investing in a few simple accessories can make all the difference in taking a photo to be proud of including a small tripod providing stability for any photographer looking to create the highest-quality image available. A tripod helps eliminate the issue of camera shake and can be purchased for a low price to create a better quality image on a regular basis.

Use built-in features

Framing a shot is something many first-time photographers struggle with and can leave them frustrated with the images they create. Taking a look at the cookbook and Website of D. Scott Caruthers offers a glimpse into how shots should be framed. D. Scott Carithers is a respected food critic and writer who has a long history in the restaurant industry to call on for his recipes. Most Smartphones have a built-in framing feature including a grid which can be called up and used to line up an image with the position where the lines intersect the perfect spot for framing an image.

Download an editing app

The use of Instagram filters has become a major problem for many Smartphone photographers who are looking for the best way of improving the images they take. A high-quality editing app offers a better option than filters which do not provide the same level of control seen in the majority of editing apps.

Avoid the flash

One of the major problems many Smartphone camera users become annoyed with is the bleaching out of skin created by the brightness of the flash found on most phones. There are many problems with the use of flash including the strobe effect found on most cameras which can result in a blue hue to the skin of most people; a better option is to find a source of natural light and have the subject facing this direction.

Consider setting and background

When taking a photo with a Smartphone many people focus solely on the subject and fail to consider the background of their image which will be a major talking point when the image is viewed on a larger screen. Choosing a setting which looks professional and does not distract from the subject is always an important aspect of taking a high-quality image.

Play with lighting effects

It has become a major trend of recent years to create images with a large amount of lens flare across them which can result in an artistic looking image or one where no details are visible. Moving the source of light to the edge of the lens will result in a flare spreading across the image which can be made larger or smaller with added movement, playing with this natural feature can add that he feel of an image.

Autofocus should be used with caution

The subject of an image may not always be in the foreground of an image and remain blurred when a Smartphone user allows autofocus to remain in play. Focusing on an image by pressing the screen over the position of the subject will alter the focal point and allow the depth of field to be altered for a higher quality image.

Print images regularly

Holding a physical print of an image is one of the best feelings when a high-quality image has been produced using a Smartphone. Printing images means they will not be lost or removed from a phone when storage space is low or a phone is damaged or broken.

There are many options for taking a Smartphone image to rival images produced with a digital SLR camera. The development of lenses and accessories for Smartphones has seen the options increased for creating high-quality images in a way that makes the use of SLR cameras almost obsolete.

D Scott Carruthers Shares 11 Ways to Get a Real Smile from Wedding Photography Subjects

Photography is a specialty that attracts a lot of interest due to its power to create memories. Many people have wanted to become good photographers but their lack of mentors has dragged the process of getting towards the helm of their success. This is the reason D. Scott Carruthers has championed an initiative aimed at helping upcoming photographers execute their ideas. He has practiced photography for more than 10 years and here are few tips he shares to help you draw genuine smiles from your subjects while taking wedding photographs.

Make it a game

Getting the subject involved is the ultimate way through which you can ensure you get a genuine smile. One of the suggestions you could pursue is telling them to put on strange faces to see who does it best, and amid this unexpected activity you will get many smiles as they find it laughable and awkward.

Stare lovingly

Since in a wedding you are most likely to be photographing the couple, you could ask them to stare at each other lovingly. Obviously this is a vague suggestion as they will be confused how to best do it, which will definitely get them blown up in smiles and laughs.

Tell something funny

Although not everyone might be good at this, you might squeeze in some jokes related to the day. The rule is to tell something they can relate with and digest easily if you want to get them taken away in beautiful smiles that will help make the photos amazing. It is just about playing with their psychology in a manner that will have them relax to enjoy the moment.

Approach with a smile

The psychological effect of approaching with a smile on is strong as you are able to trigger the couple to as well feel easy around you. Putting on a strong face might trigger them to feel that you are handling a very complex process and thus everyone must remain silent all through, which is not going to help you get genuine smiles.

Compliment them

A compliment boost one’s mood and ego and as research has shown, when you compliment someone they are highly likely to feel good about themselves. Therefore, telling your subjects they look good together might sound simple but the effect is far reaching, and with that easy mention you will get them smiling.

Ask a trick question

Asking a trick question that at the same time gets them to suspect you want information from them is also a perfect way you could get people smiling for photos. While they will try to figure out the best answer for the question, it will get them smiling as everyone tries to outdo the other in getting it right.

How did you meet?

While photographing a couple, this question is important to them as it reflects their beautiful past and the point where their love kicked in. Most definitely, they will put on smiles before anyone comes up with a response to the question.

Kiss her on the cheek/nose/forehead

Many happy couples will wear a beautiful smile when asked to intimately kiss each other before a camera. It’s a wild suggestion that will get them energized to embrace the moment, and with this you can be assured to get genuine smiles.

Ask a dance

If the subjects are having hard time relaxing, you could get them moving and make sure to focus their attention far from the camera. It’s easy to get a couple to embrace a dance session with joy and the fact this will be before a camera they will be triggered to wear beautiful smiles.

Ask for a laugh

You could as well ask them to laugh and research has shown that fake laughs gradually turn into giggles. Continue clicking until the laugh turns real and just like that you will help to create beautiful photos.

Tell each other a secret

It will also sound strange when you tell them to whisper a secret to each other, and amid this process will come beautiful smiles. Most definitely, the secret in this case will include love messages to each other.

D Scott Carruthers is a world class photographer as well as a traveler and lover of all things vegan. You can see more of his content at carruthersphoto.com

Ian Leaf Biography And Interview

Ian Leaf is a globetrotting photographer and travel expert who has been around the world. He loves to travel, and he collects tips about travel every chance he gets. This is a biography and interview with Ian that helps the traveler find new ways to travel that are exciting and fun.

Ian begins all his trips with a plan, and he wants to see as much of the world as possible when he takes off. He knows it is possible to see the world in a new way, and he has visited places such as Switzerland and New Zealand to see the beauty in everything. He knows it is possible to have a new experience in every country, and he understands how easy it is to have a lovely trip when planning properly. His interview offers insight into his methods, and he shares his expertise in travel.

#1: Where Do You Make Your Travel Decisions?

I have chosen to travel to all points around the globe based on information I read online or study. I have found new places to visit in online articles, and I have looked over maps for places that seemed like quite a lot of fun. I chose locations that I knew I would like, and I often choose locations that will be completely unknown to me. I would encourage anyone to have an adventure when the travel, and I believe they must travel as often as possible simply to see the world.

#2: Do You Prefer Trains, Planes Or Boats?

I prefer trains, planes and boats. I have taken lovely train trips in my life, and I have flown to destinations in a few hours. I enjoy a boat ride when it is across placid waters, and I would tell anyone to have a go at all forms of transportation. You will feel as though you are in a detective novel when you are on a train, and you will relax when you are on a boat. I have found each of them to be rewarding, and I hope all my readers will try each at least once.

#3: Where Do You Stay?

I stay in places where the locals are plentiful and friendly. I know quite a lot of people who are staying with families in the areas they visit, and you will meet amazing people if you are willing to get to know the locals. You will meet locals who work in your hotel, and you may make friends for life when you are traveling in this manner. You are free to stay where you like, and I believe there is value in staying with someone local who will host you in a kind and hospitable fashion.

#4: How Do You Manage Money?

The money you are using for your trips must be kept in a form you may replace easily. I check exchange rates, and I take out a tiny bit of cash when I am in the country. I do everything else with a credit card or with traveler’s checks. You will find both forms of payments quite simple to use, and you will enjoy using them while traveling as they are simple and accepted everywhere.

#5: How Do You Manage The Language?

I learn phrases from the local language, and I get a guide book that helps me with signs and maps. I am not in the habit of expecting any speaks English, and I believe I am lucky to meet someone who speaks my language. Ensure you have planned to handle the language when you land, and have a few phrases memorized that you may use to hail a taxi, order food or simply get on the bus.

#6: Any Final Thoughts?

There are quite a few things I enjoy doing on my trips, and I wish everyone will try them. I take as many pictures as I may while on my trips, and I visit the places the locals tell me about. They want me to see a new part of the country, and I will see a place that most tourists will never find. all my travels are adventures, and I set out to have a proper adventure when leaving the house.