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Over the last year I have learned so much about imagery and capturing the best photos for social media. Creating stories and having beautiful images is key to engagement and creating a brand around your blog.
Being on the go can make things even harder by having limited storage, a heavy DSLR to carry around, and trying to capture the right pictures. This can all be made easier with a quality smartphone and some simple tricks of the trade. 😉
5 Tips & Tricks for better picture taking
NO. 1 FIND THE LIGHT
Finding the perfect light is absolutely the first step to an awesome picture, hands down! Direct daylight is awful so avoiding that can improve your photos. If you are out and about on a sunny day try to take pictures while the sun is slightly lower than directly above. Clouds also can be your best friend when capturing images outdoors.
I like standing into the light so that the light brightens my face up. It also keeps the background from being back-lit and causing you to have a washed out picture.
NO. 2 CONSTANTLY THINK OF CREATIVE SHOTS
Time flies when you’re having fun! I’m so so guilty of not taking pictures while having fun. I just get so absorbed in the moment and forget to capture it.
That’s why, over the last couple months I have been practicing on taking pictures throughout my day and on trips. This can be anything from cool floors (shoe photos are the best!), food/drinks, beautiful scenery, outfits, with friends, and the list goes on and on.
This will give you so much to choose from when it comes to posting imagery on social media. But more pictures means more storage that will be taken up on your phone.
This is why I love my Samsung Galaxy GS8! It gives me more freedom to take even more pictures on the go with added storage using a Micro SD card. This can open your storage up to 256GB! So no more lugging those DSLRs and memory cards around with you.
NO. 3 USE YOUR SMARTPHONE TO TAKE PICTURES
Say goodbye to lugging your heavy DSLR around. Smartphone cameras have come a long way! I remember having a brick of a mobile phone and the photos were like 3MP and super grainy. Now I have the GS8 with a 12MP camera, 8MP front camera and a f/1.7 lens!
Look at how clear these images are! And remember that back light I was talking about in #1? I didn’t even have to worry about the washout with this camera. It automatically corrected it and created these amazing images. These are unedited and straight off the camera. Pretty awesome right?
Another awesome feature is that it’s splash-proof and protected from the accidental water drop. I can’t even count the times that this would have come in handy in the past.
No matter what network you have, you can purchase the Samsung Galaxy GS8 or GS8+ Unlocked online at Walmart. You can choose your carrier, data plan, services, features and apps, so you can get your phone exactly the way you want it ¹ Just plug in your old phone into the GS8 (watch how to here) and transfer all your favorite apps, photos, and other important things.. It’s super easy to do and the phone is very affordable.
Don’t forget to grab a wireless charger while you’re at it. Yup! You don’t have to worry about your phone dying when taking your pictures on the go.
NO. 4 EMBRACE DIFFERENT ANGLES
When you take pictures at different angles, it gives you more content and options to choose from. We have the traditional selfie, the food selfie, the foot selfie, and a slew of other selfies.
I like foot selfie to capture a beautiful floor or a place that you’re at.
Going somewhere pretty? Capture the scenery around you. Forest, beaches, even cute little cafés. There are so many pictures to take. Just let your creative mind fly free. 🙂
NO. 5 EDIT LIKE A PRO
For editing images you want to keep it consistent and simple. The editing feature on the GS8 are amazing! I love boosting the brightness, contrast, and clarity on my photos.
After I do my small edits I move on to my editing apps. I love: VSCO, A Color Story, and Snapseed. Using these apps can help create a cohesive feed on Instagram and across your social media networks.
Once you have your amazing picture edited and ready to go, post them online. Share your moments captured from a fun day with friends or on a road trip with your significant other.
These are my favorite ways that I used to boost my social media game and create variety, quality, and beautiful pictures.
What are your favorite picture taking tricks?
How do you capture moments and memories?
Disclaimers
¹ Wireless voice, data and messaging services on Samsung Unlocked Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge devices are compatible with most major U.S. GSM and CDMA networks. For these devices, wireless services are available on GSM networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile and CDMA networks such as Verizon, Sprint, and US Cellular®. Visit www.samsung.com for more information on your device. Support for certain features and services such as VoWiFi and hotspot, vary by wireless service provider. Wireless voice, data and messaging services on Samsung Unlocked Galaxy S6 and Galaxy J3 devices are compatible with most major U.S. GSM networks. For these devices, wireless services are available on GSM networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile. Visit www.samsung.com for more information on your device. Support for certain features and services such as VoWiFi and hotspot, vary by wireless service provider.
SIM card must be compatible with area’s available networks. International calling, data services and coverage vary by network provider. Contact provider for details.
.² This Samsung Unlocked phone will work on any GSM or CDMA compatible network. For these devices, wireless services are available on GSM networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile and CDMA networks such as Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular®. Support for certain rate plans, features, and services such as VoWiFi and hotspot vary by wireless service provider. SIM card must be compatible with area’s available networks. International calling, data services and coverage vary by network provider. Contact provider for details.
³ For more information on Samsung standard U.S. limited warranty, go to samsung.com/customersupport/xxx
Great tips and I’m looking forward to my next Samsung upgrade.
This smartphone is seriously a game changer!
I am a victim of any and all “how to” posts. I love this post because I am always trying to improve my photos and push my skills to the next level. Tip #2 is my personal favorite. I feel like I am always thinking about the next creative shot. Thanks for this post!
That’s my favorite too! I’m really trying to train myself to constantly think of creative shots even on the go. Your photos are pretty amazing though!
A color story is my favorite too and omg what a beautiful setting for pics you are in!
It’s the best right? Thank you! Just a small little beach in Del Mar. 🙂
Love this post! I always try to stockpile pictures throughout the week so I never don’t have anything to post!
That’s such a good tip! I try to do the same!
I have to do better about embracing different angles! I could be more creative that way.
Yeah me too girl. I have my go-to angles that I like to shoot so I’m trying to think more outside of the box.
Great tips! Thanks for the suggested apps!
You’re welcome!
Thanks for the great tips! I can’t wait until my Note8 comes in to see the new camera it will have, My S8 is amazing with images.
So many people I’ve talked to are getting the Note8! It looks really nice!
Great tips!! I’m always looking for new ways to up my photo skills!
I’m glad you liked them!
I totally agree – lighting is everything. Though you can get creative in low light situations too.
Yeah low-light can be nice too in the right situation. 🙂
These are great tips! I try to use the camera in my favorite editing apps. I get better quality and control than the built-in camera app.
Oh that’s such a good tip!
I needed this post! I am trying so hard to take better photos, and it’s tough because I definitely overthink it. I need to check out some of the apps you listed 🙂
XO, SS || Seersucker Sass
I Just checked out your IG and I love it! You’re doing good girl! These apps are a bonus though if you’re looking to create a more cohesive layout. 🙂
Totally agree with you! It’s amazing how much of a difference natural light makes!
It really does. I’m not a happy camper when it comes to not having natural light. Especially with recipe picture. Once winter comes it will be so hard.
Such handy tips! Also, I love these photos. So lovely.
Thank you Jenny!
Great ideas here, making my iphone look bad lol!
Lol! Right? Seriously this camera is legit!
I love these tips! I’ve been trying to play around with angles in my photos because I feel like that is such a fun way to make a “basic” photo feel exciting! But it’s hard! Hahaha!! Thanks for the tips!
xo, Taylor (thesprinkle.tayloramead.com)
It is hard! Especially when you have a habit already set and what type of angles you take. That’s my problem.
Nice post! First rule of photography: Always make sure the light is right 😉
Theresa
Yes!!! Lighting is life!
Such great tips, lighting, editing, and angles are everything!
They really are!
These are great tips – especially about the lighting and remembering to have fun and capture those unique moments! What a fantastic camera! #client
Always have fun and don’t over think things. 🙂
I totally agree with all these tips! Especially embracing new angles 🙂 super important!
That’s what I struggle with the most. Different angles.
Great tips! I love reading posts regarding the ‘how to’. I’m always trying out new things and looking to grow my SM in the coming months. As I say “every day is a learning day!” Thanks for sharing and the pictures are super cute!
It never ends! I’m always learning something new. Also practicing makes perfect. 🙂
I completely agree with tip #1 – the lighting is EVERYTHING!
It really is!
Ahh I’ve been wanting to get the Samsung S8 for so long – it looks so sleek and beautiful, and takes amazing photos too! I definitely agree with your tips, especially #1 about finding the light. Lighting is so important in photography! Great tips!
It’s so freakin’ nice! I love it so so much! Lighting is life in photography. And I just hate un-natural light lol.
Such a cute post! Light can really make or break a great photo!
These are all great tips for upping your social photo game! I love using ColorStory to edit- makes my pics so bright and pretty <3
Love this tips! And it’s true cell phones take awesome picture. Finding the best light is very important!
Great tips! I find that natural light always works best for me! I can never take good indoor photos!
Great tips! I’ve recently started posting smart phone photos on my IG instead of the ones I take with my camera for my blog, and I must admit, it’s way easier to get creative shots when you’re just using your phone!
I need to get better at taking photos! I always get to the blog writing process and run out of images for a post! So frustrating!
Yes! These are all fantastic tips! I always take like 8 different shots/angles of the same thing and my fiance gives me a hard time about it. But you never know what’s going to look the best in that instagram square!