Terroir - Intro to Cell Phone Photography

Great shots start by having the subject in focus. When focusing your shot think about:

Stabilizing your camera as much as possible
Using tap to auto-focus feature to tell you camera what part of the image to focus on

Avoid direct sunlight, have subject stand in brightest patch of shade
Avoid backlighting subject (unless it's on purpose)
Enjoy shooting during the "Magic Hour" (sunrise/sunset), the golden light makes your photographs look amazing
Low light settings? Make sure to stabilize your phone by bracing your arms against your body. Pay attention to your breath.
Some phones offer the ability to set the exposure by tapping on a dark or light region of the image.

Use the rule of thirds when framing your shots
- Do a Google image search on 'rule of thirds photography' to get some ideas about this principle
- Many phone cameras give you the option to display a grid while shooting.
Foreground and Background
- Notice what is in the background of your shot.
- Change your angle or move closer to your subject so that the background supports the image or at least does not distract from the subject.

Here are a few favorites resources for viewing great photography:

Instagram has many effects and filters, some may enhance your visual images, some may ultimately detract from a successful image.

Use effects/filters sparingly and always compare with the original image (by tapping the image) to make sure your are in fact improving the image
Double tap a filter to access the slider to set the amount of filter to apply
Tilt-shift & Depth of Field