How to Take better photos with your Android phone Taking a Photo
There are a number of basics that we need to cover to make sure you are headed in the right direction. The first section of this book will walk you through everything from learning how to hold your camera to understanding the touch functions to create your first 360-degree panorama (otherwise known as a Photo Sphere).
Holding Your Phone (Grip)
Easily one of the most misunderstood elements of mobile photography is how to correctly hold your phone. As elementary as it might sound, how you hold your phone can make a huge difference in the quality of images you can produce with it. I am always surprised to see people fumbling with their phones in awkward stances while taking a photo, only to be disappointed with the resulting image.
So why is it so important? Two words: camera shake. Most people don’t realize that our hands are constantly moving—even when we are trying to hold still. Between the natural way that our bodies exhibit and the simple fact that we are constantly breathing, it shouldn’t be surprising that we are generally in perpetual motion. The cameras in mobile phones are constantly trying to fight the motion blur caused by the movement of our hands and bodies. If we learn to hold our phones correctly, we can help eliminate some of this camera shake.
Horizontal Grip
When you’re shooting in landscape orientation (horizontally), use two hands whenever possible (Figure 1). Use the thumb and pointer finger on your left hand and the pointer finger and palm of your right hand (with your ring finger supporting the back of the camera) to create a stable environment. This method allows you to use your right thumb to press the shutter button, which is on the right side of the LCD screen.
Figure 1. I recommend using two hands to capture a horizontal photo with your Android phone.
If you are unable to use two hands (Figure 2), you can try using just your right hand (pointer finger on top, with the lower-right corner of the camera resting on the palm of your hand). This method can be used with success, but do note
Vertical Grip
Of course, you might not always want to capture a horizontal image. To take a vertical image, flip your phone into portrait orientation (Figure 3), and using one hand, rest your phone on top of your pinky finger while using the rest of your fingers to support the back of the device. This will free up the use of your thumb to snap the shot when the moment comes.
Figure 3. It is generally easier to capture a vertical image with one hand.
Although you can use two hands to shoot vertical images, I generally find it more awkward than helpful. But if you truly need the extra stabilization, you can use the pointer finger and thumb on your left hand while resting the phone on your right ring finger (Figure 4). Press the shutter release button with your thumb.
Figure 4. For extra stabilization on a particular vertical image, you can use two hands.
One of the best things you can do is purchase a soft rubber case for your phone. This will help you maintain a more secure grip on the phone and protect the phone if it’s dropped on a hard surface.