5 Tips and Tricks for Capturing Great Photos for Social Media Using Your Phone
This post focuses on iPhones, as that’s the one I’ve used over the years, but most of these tips can also apply to other phones.
Did you know that it takes just 50 milliseconds to form a positive first impression on a website? (Taylor & Francis) Social media is no different. Whether it's a stunning piece of photography or a catchy dance in a Reel, creating social content is all about visual storytelling. Many believe you need high-tech equipment to capture the “perfect” photo, which certainly helps, but good content isn’t always about having the best gear—it’s about knowing how to use what you have effectively, and what most people have these days is a smartphone.
It has taken a lot of practice and studying other photographers’ work to learn (and I’m still learning!) the basics of what makes a good photo. Although I have a separate camera for specific photo projects, my phone has been my trusty companion for creating social-friendly content over the years. Our phones have incredible cameras nowadays, so they’re always ready for on-the-go use. Below are the top five tips and tricks I always keep in mind when taking photos for social using my phone:
Enable RAW in settings (iPhone): I recently discovered this feature, so I’m not sure if it’s new or if other phones support it. However, turning this feature on your phone allows you to shoot photos without the camera automatically compressing or editing the files as JPEGs, giving you significantly more flexibility when editing.
Wipe your lens: Today, our phones are with us at all times, so it is inevitable that they will get a little dirty. So, I always make sure to wipe down my lens. Nothing wild; just a quick wipe with the cuff of my sleeve or any soft fabric to remove smudges or fingerprints makes a huge difference!
Lighting: Next, make sure that your lighting works to your advantage. Natural light is your best choice; however, if you’re outside, make sure that shadows are not in awkward positions, and always avoid backlighting and direct overhead lighting.
Don’t use zoom: Zooming in immediately reduces the photo quality, resulting in a grainy, pixelated shot. Instead, move closer if possible, or adjust the shot's composition if you can’t.
Rule of thirds: Good news! You can enable this feature on the iPhone, too. It’s essentially a 3x3 grid on your screen that serves as a guide to determine where to place your subjects or elements, either at the intersections or along the gridlines. This will help you achieve a more balanced composition.
An extra tip, which I’m sure many of you already use, is to take as many shots of the same subject as you need! Don’t worry, I’m also guilty of having a camera roll filled with the same food shot for a few scrolls. But experimenting with angles and arrangements is the best way to learn. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and most importantly, have fun!
