You can do a lot with a phone camera. Technology, apps, and features only continue to get upgraded & it can be hard to keep up. Get comfy with your camera settings on your phone — take a look around and set yourself up to grab quick and high quality content from your mobile device.

Disclaimer – I’m an iPhone user, currently using the 16 pro max. I assume androids and others have the same or similar options, but can’t speak for certain.

Turn on your grid & level.
These can be found under the ‘composition’ section in your camera settings. Pop them on and use the straight lines as guides – get fancy with the rule of thirds if it feels right. If you move your phone around, you’ll see the level will snap into place and turn yellow when it’s completely straight. Straight lines instantly makes for a better image and takes virtually zero effort.

Focus & Exposure square.
You’ve definitely seen this little guy popping up on your screen when you click to choose a focus point Did you know you can also control the exposure with this? Click and hold the yellow box where you see a tiny sun icon and drag your finger up for a brighter look, or down if you feel it’s too bright or light. Color me impressed with the range these cameras give you.

Shoot in 9:16 ratio, always.
Or, shoot in the ratio you plan to post. Nothing makes me twitch more than a reel or story posted with two massive black bars on the top and bottom of the screen because it doesn’t take up the whole screen. Video has become a no-question kind of content, no matter who you are or what you’re capturing! Shoot to take up your whole phone screen — remember you can always crop in.

Preserve your camera settings
Head back to your camera settings on your phone and find this under the ‘App Settings’. What this means is that the way you close your camera app is how it will open next time you launch it. For example, if you’re taking content and are on and off your phone – this setting will cue your camera open to the exact settings you had the set last time you hit record. This way, you don’t have to spend time making sure your ratio is set right, if live photo is turned on, and will even keep the kind of camera you were using — ie. keep opening up to video only so you can hit record immediately without having to toggle to it. I’ve found this to be a game changer for content creation and quick grabs.

Tip #5. Burst, but not literally.
I’ll be the first to say it. If you’re taking simple portraits in burst mode on *any* kind of camera — I’m side-eying. You can click fast and still get a ton of options…usable options. Literal burst mode is faster than any normal human can move their body (if you’re not a sports player) and is entirely unnecessary, especially when someone isn’t actually moving. If you’re getting your photo taken or taking them of friends, family, etc.. MOVE. Fidget, adjust, look away, laugh, smile, play with your hair, shift your weight. Within 10 seconds and a steady click, click, click pace of a camera there is bound to be a usable photo that you don’t look stiff in. Finding a rhythm when taking photos will end in results you actually like, and allow you to stop spending time deleting 15 of the exact same image off your phone because someone thought they were doin you a favor by holding down that button.

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The basics will get you started on capturing some better portraits, general content creation, and set you up for success next time your friends (or a stranger) hand you a phone to take some quick snaps.

Sharing my favorite photo phone apps soon to level up even more.