Smartphone News

A solid understanding of key camera settings is essential if you're serious about shooting impressive photographs instead of mere snapshots, and one of the most important considerations is whether to use the Raw file format or shoot Jpegs. As you'll see in the video below, the decision you make depends up a variety of factors—including the specific way you intend to use the images you make.

If you never venture out with a camera after dark, you're missing out on a bunch of great photo opportunities. Landscapes can take on an awe-inspiring look, and urban scenes that appear boring during the day transform into magical tableaus full of sparking lights, interesting reflections, and vivid colors.

Right about now you’re probably saying to yourself, “No experienced landscape photographer would be out on the field shooting with a smartphone.” And with a few exceptions you’d be right—unless the camera’s battery died and there’s nary a spare in sight.

We’ve all been there: You’re out and about running errands without a camera and come upon a striking scene that deserves to be photographed, so naturally you pull out your phone. But if you always shoot in Auto mode the images you capture won’t be as awesome as possible.

The SnapGrip Creator Kit from ShiftCam lets you hold your smartphone like a camera, charges the battery, lights up the scene and provides a stable tabletop support. It’s very well made and practically attaches itself.

OK, listen up. If you’re rolling your eyes because “real photographers use real cameras,” we have two suggestions for you to consider: Either replace your five-year-old phone or watch the tutorial below. Then, if you’re still not convinced, go ahead and ridicule mobile photography all you want.

If you like experimenting with your smartphone camera, you’re going to love this tutorial. In the video below from COOPH, they show you four photo tricks you can do with your smartphone at home.