Mobile Photography 101 : A Guide On How To Take Great Photos Using Your Phone

The best camera in the world is the one in your Pocket…

Photos Courtesy of Charles Kimani

In late 2018, just a few months after we had started Lets Drift, when it was still more of a hobby,

I got a dm that would change my life as a Creative in a way I never imagined. It was from Charles. He wanted us to do a hike together, I said yes! I had always admired his Photography skills. I owe him a lot in my journey as an adventure Photographer!

I asked him for a few tips. I hope they make you better at capturing memories with the device in your pocket!

1. Embrace your device

All devices have their weaknesses as much as they have their strengths. Live within the limits, stretch them once in a while and you will get so much better every time.

One of the biggest advantages of Phone Photography is flexibility! Can you imagine having to go back to your bag to pick your camera to get a shot this?

Rainy Day In A Matatu

Horse

Paradise Lost

2. Get Closer

For better macro shots it’s always good to get closer to your small subjects like a drop of water on some petals, that unique coin you have laying around or rather that distinct-textured subject.

Your phone can get you some good shots.

Notice how a normal subject like termites become photographic once you get your camera close to them.

By choosing to focus on this one petal against the grass behind makes the subject a pleasure to see.

Someone would have been taking the photos of the tree from which the leaves are falling from but it takes focus to notice a lone yellow leaf on top of green ferns.

I don’t know what this insect is but the perspective is just amazing.

3. Mind your Composition.

Composition is the arrangement of your subjects on your frame (photo). In composing photos, it matters as much what you include in your frame and what you decide to exclude from it.

Learn to make your main subject stand out so that you can be able to direct your audience’s eye towards a certain entity in your frame. It’s always a good idea to pan around your point of interest, get closer, step back, put your phone higher, lower or even down close to the ground.

Whatever fills your cup, work with it.

Don’t forget to experiment with orientation both; landscape and portrait.

The focus of this shot is definitely the red Audi. By hiding in the concrete wall the photographer creates the curiosity with the composition. The gray sky and almost empty street gives a mood by itself.

I love the reflection of the Trees and Moon on the water. It feels like poetry

I wish I was sitting there with a cup of coffee. The ‘emptiness’ of this shot makes you appreciate the space and the art.

Why do you think this shot is dope? by stooping down the photographer creates an illusion of infinity notice how the parking appears endless?

4. Shoot Every day.

Consistency is the game! It keeps the creative juices flowing, which makes you better and better.

Another example of a thoughtful composition. I have passed here countless times at night. This photo almost makes me want to go back and look again.

Remove her out of the picture and it will not be interesting enough. The best way to make landscapes interesting is to have human element in it!

I remember when Charles took this photo ,we were waiting at the bus stage around 7pm. You will hardly appreciate a scene like this during daylight! It’s a different story a few minutes into the darkness!

Can I surprise you? About 70% of the photos featured in this article were shot around Ruaka area. Lesson? Explore and appreciate the beauty in your neighborhood.

5. Editing

Editing is an art by itself; it grows better every time you practice.

Get a reliable editing app that will edit photos in bunch. VSCO or Lightroom mobile is recommended.

Can you notice anything common between this shot and the ones below? Hint:look at the color!

You can tell the Photographer’s love of subtle desaturated greens with a hint of warm shadows.

6. Find your Theme

The more you shoot the more you’ll find what prefer shooting. Your preference(s) births your theme. It may be portraits of people maybe of animals, maybe macro photography or even landscapes, architecture and urban photography e.t.c.

My advice is that you shoot everything then slowly do more of what you love.

From my observation Charles’ theme is a beautiful merge of everyday life and nature. Matatu, waterfalls , workplace: the day to day experiences of his life!

Interior Photography

Street Photography

To keep in touch with Charles and see more of his work follow him on his Mobile photography Instagram page

Thanks for reading!

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