Photography has become a valued part of everyday life, ever since the invention of the first commercial photo camera by Alphonse Giroux in 1839. While cameras have become smaller in size and more affordable over time, the techniques and principles that determine a great photograph have remained relatively the same.

Today, many smartphones have the ability to take professional-quality photos. However, without understanding what goes into a professional photo, you’ll likely be disappointed with your results. If you’ve been looking for ways to elevate your photo composition and take more captivating photos, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our top tips when it comes to framing your photos like a true professional.

Keep Your Background Clean and Simple

In every photo, there’s the main subject, which the viewer’s attention should be drawn to. The best way to accomplish this is by having a clean and simple background. Often when a background is too noisy (filled with clutter, unflattering natural backgrounds) it can become a bit difficult to keep attention on the subject. In portrait photography, it’s common to have the background be slightly out of focus to help your subject come through the way you intended.

Use the Fibonacci Spiral

Also known as the golden ratio, or divine composition, the Fibonacci spiral helps to keep photos balanced. For centuries, artists and painters have used the Fibonacci spiral to create harmony in their work. It can also be used for portrait and landscape photography.

Or the Rule of Thirds

You can also divide your image into thirds. The rule of thirds refers to splitting your photo into a grid, using three vertical and three horizontal lines. On iPhones, this is a built-in feature that allows to you easily place focus on the subject. Taking photographs in this way also makes the picture more aesthetically pleasing for viewers.

Symmetry

Composition helps to create narrative and storytelling is key to an effective photograph. This is important to remember when shooting all types of photography, from still life to portrait. One way you can accomplish this is by paying close attention to symmetry. When both sides of the photo have equal weight, you’ve achieved formal balance. While it’s possible to add artificial symmetry later in post-production, there’s so much natural symmetry in real life that you should use your eye to capture it in the initial photograph. In photography, there are four common types of symmetry:

• Vertical: The most common type of symmetry, vertical symmetry involves mentally placing a vertical line down the center of your image. Vertical symmetry can emphasize size and shape.
• Horizontal: Common technique in landscape photography.
• Radial: Used in environments that have many circular shapes present.
• Reflective: Involves using reflections to create symmetrical mirror images.

Lead Lines

Often, there are existing lead lines in your photo frame that you can utilize to elevate your composition. Lead lines can help to create depth in your photography, which allows you to create three-dimensional images. They also sharpen perspective, drawing the viewer’s eye to a specific point of interest.

Lead lines are a great way to create a dynamic composition. Look for these lines when you’re choosing a location for your photographs. From roads to buildings to people, lead lines are everywhere.

Fill the Frame

While the idea of filling the frame is not useful for all types of photos, this type of framing is very effective when taking portraits. This technique is a great way to capture facial expressions or intricate detailing. Because filling the frame involves a focus on details, it can help the viewer focus on something they might not normally have paid attention to.

There are many other ways to frame your photos, and part of the fun of photography is that once you learn the basics, you can experiment and create your own style. The main point is to have fun and make sure you’re mindful of storytelling.

Your mobile phone has probably seen its fair share of photos in its lifetime. From casual pics of you and your friends to sun-drenched shots of your most recent vacation, there are countless opportunities to capture the perfect setting from your phone. However, there’s an easy way to take your pictures to the next level. Panoramas give your pictures a more complete and true-to-life feel, helping you capture the true essence of the scene you took part in.

While panoramas are many people’s preferred photo format, not everyone knows how to take one successfully. Panoramic photography is an art, and you need the right tools and strategies to master it. Fortunately, we have all the tips you need to capture stunning panoramic images right from your mobile phone. Here’s everything you need to know before you begin.

Prepare Your Shot

The very first thing you should do is evaluate your setting and adjust it as needed. By taking the time to set up your panorama in advance, you’ll avoid careless mistakes that might affect the quality of your photo. Be sure to position your shot so that you’re focused on the main scene and not on the foreground. If there are any close objects in the shot, reposition yourself and your phone so that these obstacles stay out of the picture.

Use the Right Settings

To get the best results from your panoramic shot, it’s important to use the right settings. First, be sure to turn on HDR on your mobile phone before snapping a photo. This will help the colors appear more vibrant throughout the panorama and will prevent the picture from appearing overexposed. In addition, some mobile phones offer special panorama apps that help enhance the quality of your photo. These apps can allow you to take panoramic shots like a true professional.

Avoid Inconsistent Lighting

Lighting is everything when it comes to shooting panoramas. To ensure that the lighting is consistent throughout the photo, pay special attention to your environment and the time of day before snapping a pic. If you’re somewhere that lacks strong natural light, such as inside your home or outside on a cloudy day, try disabling automatic settings on your phone until you achieve the right lighting.

Give it a Test Run

You shouldn’t expect to capture the perfect shot on your very first try. It’s important to take a few practice shots before you get the hang of it. By going through a test run, you can identify any potential issues and address them right away. In addition, taking a few practice shots will allow you to get a feel for panoramic photography so that you have an easier time going forward.

Steer Clear of Moving Objects

Moving objects can interfere with your panoramic photos by making them look distorted. Before you snap a picture, make sure there are no moving objects in the frame. Steer clear of crowded areas or places with vehicles, such as malls or parking lots. Keeping this simple tip in mind will give your panoramas a cleaner and more cohesive appearance.

Be Persistent

It’s completely natural to run into problems when you’re first starting out. However, don’t let this discourage you. It’s important to remember that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. The more time you spend working on your panoramas, the more opportunities you’ll have to identify your weak spots and address them accordingly. Overall, don’t be tempted to give up if you do experience difficulty. You’ll be glad you stuck with your hobby when you have stunning photos to treasure for years on end.

Take a Mobile Phone Panorama Like a Professional Photographer

Keep these guidelines handy to give your panoramas a more professional-like quality. Whether you’re trying to capture a breathtaking sunset or a shot of your extended family, adopting these strategies can help you perfect each panoramic photo you take.

Whether you’re at the beach on a perfectly clear afternoon or hiking up a mountain at sunset, you want to capture the moment in all its raw, unedited beauty. Unfortunately, snapping a photo with your smartphone simply can’t do it justice. You need a high-quality camera if you want to treasure crisp, polished photographs for years to come.

There’s only one problem, though: conventional cameras require you to wait a week or two for the film to develop. When you’ve just taken the perfect shot, you want to see instant results. That’s why Polaroid cameras, also known as instant cameras, are the best choice for amateur and professional photographers alike. Whether you’re new to Polaroids or are looking to upgrade your camera, this buyer’s guide has everything you need. Here are the 2 best Polaroid cameras for your next family vacation.

1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

If you’re looking to enjoy an instant camera on a budget, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is your best bet. This affordable camera is living proof that you don’t need to sacrifice quality for a better price. Thanks to its compact design, you can easily bring this device along with you on any family vacation. The Fujifilm’s ease of use also makes it a favorite among legions of photographers. By capturing true automatic exposure, this camera makes it easy for you to immediately share each photo with friends and family.

Moreover, the Instax Mini 11 offers several customization options that let you make the camera your own. Its wide range of fun colors is sure to satisfy all kinds of tastes. The camera also includes mirror and close focus features for flawless selfies. Because it uses both color and black-and-white Instax Mini film, you can choose between either color scheme to bring your photos to life.

Unfortunately, this instant camera lacks a tripod socket, which may be a drawback for some users. It’s also important to note that there may be overexposure in bright light and when the camera is focused closely.

Overall, this favorite from Fujifilm is a clear winner for affordable, high-quality photography. Not only can you capture stunning shots with this simple but powerful device, but you also have the opportunity to personalize it according to your unique needs.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

2. Polaroid Originals OneStep+

You can’t go wrong with the classic Polaroid when browsing the best instant cameras. This camera, which uses the original Polaroid square film format, is trusted by countless photographers as a reliable and efficient instant camera. While this model is a bit pricier than the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, its household name has attracted numerous photography fans over the decades. These enthusiasts have found that the Polaroid camera consistently lives up to its reputation as a sturdy, impactful and high-quality device.

No matter where you’re headed on your next family getaway, bringing the Polaroid Originals OneStep+ along for the ride is sure to make your trip worthwhile. This instant camera offers both monochrome and color films, giving you the chance to add your own personal touch to your photos. To create true-to-life portraits, you can also activate close focus mode, which gives your photographs a crisper and sharper quality.

For the tech-savvy out there, this Polaroid camera includes high-tech features to optimize the user experience. Equipped with Bluetooth connection for manual exposure control, this device allows you to adjust the exposure of your film without any difficulty. The camera can also be charged via USB for greater convenience.

While there are numerous benefits of choosing the OneStep+, it’s worth keeping in mind that the color materials tend to be a bit finicky. The film is also more expensive than other Polaroid models.

The Polaroid Originals OneStep+ is overall a popular choice among instant camera fans. If you’re willing to splurge a little more and prefer the classic Polaroid style, this model may be the best choice for you.

Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars

Choose the Best Polaroid Camera for Your Needs

These top-rated instant cameras are exactly what your suitcase is missing for your next vacation. Whether you prefer the classic, reliable Polaroid Originals OneStep+ or the compact, trendy Fujifilm Instax Mini 11, these devices are built to suit almost every kind of need. Be sure to keep your personal goals in mind when considering these options so that you make the best decision for your needs. No matter which camera you choose, both of these options can give your photos a polished, professional look.

Whether you’re in the market for an upgrade or buying your first mirrorless camera, you want fantastic features that fit the budget. We did some of the legwork for you and rounded up the top three mirrorless cameras for 2021 that come in under $2,000.

From solid body builds to the latest technology, these mirrorless cameras have a lot to offer both the hobbyist and pro. We looked for top-notch features, versatility, terrific image and video quality, and significant improvements over predecessors.

If you’re looking for a mirrorless camera to advance your skills or career, start here.

Sony a7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera

When compared to other mirrorless cameras in the same price range, the Sony a7 III stands above the rest in speed, resolution, and features. If you’re looking for one mirrorless camera to suit the needs of every photographer, videomaker, vlogger, and multimedia artist, this is our pick.

Features We Like

This camera features an enhanced image processing system, improved camera build over previous models, a superb battery life, anti-flicker shooting technology, and fantastic 4K video capabilities.

The Specs:

• 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
• In-body image stabilization
• 4K/24 video taken from full-width 6K
• 93% autofocus coverage
• 10 fps continuous shooting
• Autofocus joystick
• 36M-dot OLED viewfinder with 0.78x magnification
• Touchscreen
• Dual SD memory card slots
• Large Z-type battery

At just under $2,000, this camera is perfect for someone looking for a camera with versatility. It’s a great choice as a daily-use camera for professionals and will happily up an avid hobbyist’s photography game.

Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Digital Camera

This camera from Fujifilm makes the list due in large part to its well-rounded range of features at the price point. This is an excellent pick for a wide range of users and suits just about any situation.

Features We Like

For just $1,700, this camera features excellent build quality. It sports a longer battery life, better autofocus, and a faster shooting speed compared to its sister camera, the X-T3. The X-T4 captures 4K video at up to 60 fps and shoots 20 fps at 26MP, making this camera perfect for all multimedia purposes.

The Specs

• In-body image stabilization
• 26MP BSI CMSOS sensor
• Rear touchscreen that’s fully articulated
• Dual UHS-II card slots
• 12 film simulation modes
• 68M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder

At about $300 dollars less than the Sony a7 III, this multipurpose camera offers its users a lot of similar features for the price.

Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless Digital Camera

If you want light, simple, and great for travel, you can’t go wrong with the X-T30. Another mirrorless camera from Fujifilm, the X-T30 is the most budget-friendly mirrorless camera on this list, priced at only $899. While the pricier cameras boast more features, the Fujifilm X-T30 brings a lot of those high-end features to a more budget-friendly model.

Features We Like

For a start, the X-T30 uses Fuji’s latest autofocus system to create fantastic video and image quality. The lighter compact body houses a bevy of direct controls as well as a tilting touchscreen. With improved low-light sensitivity, plenty of customizable options, and some higher-end features borrowed from the pricier X-T3, this is a lot of camera for under $1,000.

The Specs:

• X-Processor 4
• Hybrid AF system with 425 phase-detect points
• 1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI-CMOS 4 sensor
• 36M-dot OLED viewfinder, 100 fps refresh rate in boost mode
• 3″ tilting touchscreen
• AF joystick
• Eterna Film Simulation
• DCI/UHD 4K/30p video capture
• Single SD card slot

Each of these three mirrorless cameras comes in under $2000 and boasts extensive features, 4K video, and a sturdy build. While the higher-priced cameras may have more features, even the most affordable one allows you to take great shots and has plenty of options that let you shoot great photos and videos every time.