Tips for Taking Better Smartphone Photos as a Journalist
Smartphones have become an indispensable tool for journalists who want to capture the world around them, and with good reason. Not only do they allow you to quickly snap photos on the go, but they also have the potential to produce high-quality images that can rival those taken with a professional camera. However, just because you have a powerful device in your pocket doesn't mean that every photo you take is going to be a winner.
If you're looking to improve your smartphone photography skills, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind.
AIM FOR NATURAL SHOTS
Some of the best photos are the ones where your subject is unaware you're taking it. Hold the phone about waist-level and tap away, but remember to act professionally and get permission from your subjects ahead of time.DON'T OVER-EDIT PHOTOS
FILTERS ARE NOT NECESSARILY YOUR FRIEND
While filters can make certain photos pop, they're not always a great idea for photos that may be published. Lean toward more understated filters, and let your photo editor handle any necessary editing.
THE SAME GOES FOR OVER-EDITING
When taking photos for a story or during a breaking news situation, don't worry about taking the perfect shot in the moment. Take as many photos as you can, and let your photo editor sift through them later.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET CLOSER TO YOUR SUBJECTS
Avoid using the zoom option when taking smartphone photos, as it can hurt the photo's quality. Instead, get closer to your subjects to maintain photo quality.
ETIQUETTE ABOVE ALL
While you are not legally required to get permission to photograph people who are in public view, it's always a good idea to act professionally and get permission when possible.
TREAT INSTAGRAM LIKE YOUR PORTFOLIO
If you're interested in using smartphone photography more in your reporting, use Instagram as your personal photography portfolio. Study the types of photos that are typically used in your publication and try to mimic that style.
LIGHTING IS KEY FOR GREAT SMARTPHONE PHOTOS
No amount of filters or editing can make up for a poorly exposed photo. Smartphones need more natural light than professional cameras, so make sure you are keeping that in mind when framing your shot. Find a big open window or a shaded area that's getting a nice splash of light.
By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to taking better smartphone photos and capturing the world around you with greater clarity and impact.
Alan Herrera is the Editorial Supervisor for the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents (AFPC-USA), where he oversees the organization’s media platform, foreignpress.org. He previously served as AFPC-USA’s General Secretary from 2019 to 2021 and as its Treasurer until early 2022.
Alan is an editor and reporter who has worked on interviews with such individuals as former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci; Maria Fernanda Espinosa, the former President of the United Nations General Assembly; and Mariangela Zappia, the former Permanent Representative to Italy for the U.N. and current Italian Ambassador to the United States.
Alan has spent his career managing teams as well as commissioning, writing, and editing pieces on subjects like sustainable trade, financial markets, climate change, artificial intelligence, threats to the global information environment, and domestic and international politics. Alan began his career writing film criticism for fun and later worked as the Editor on the content team for Star Trek actor and activist George Takei, where he oversaw the writing team and championed progressive policy initatives, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ rights advocacy.