10 iPhone photo tips

So, Steve and I recently upgraded our phones, we were in DESPERATE need. The iPhones we got when we moved to Alaska (circa 4 years ago), just weren't cutting it any longer. I swear phone companies program the phones to self destruct when your contract is over, forcing you to shell out even more money. While he switched to the dark side and went with a Samsung Galaxy, I stayed loyal to Apple and stuck with the iPhone 5s. I know, I know, they just announced the 6, but trust me, our phones were that bad I couldn't wait any longer.

Smart phone cameras have come a long way. Even the difference between the ancient iPhone 4 and 5s blew me away. And while I much prefer to have my DSLR in hand, sometimes that's not always the option. Here are some tips to capture some great shots using your smart phone.

1..  Take multiple shots. 
The great thing about digital is that it allows for mistakes. Taking multiple shots of the same object will help you make sure you get at least one good photo. The rest can be deleted later.

2..  Zoom in with your feet, not your fingers. 
Want to get a closer shot of an object? If possible, walk closer to the object instead of zooming in on the screen with your fingers. This will give you a much more clear photo.

3..  Try different angles. 
The majority of shots are taken from chest height because that's the most convenient way to take a photo. Find a more interesting angle, possibly from a lower, or higher, perspective.

4..  Hold the phone like you would a camera, with two hands. 
This will help to keep it nice and steady and avoid blurry shots.

5..  Rule of thirds.  
Long story short, the photo looks better when the subject isn't smack dab in the middle, but positioned off to the side. Luckily, iPhones have a setting for that.

6..  Keep the lens clean. 
Who knows where your hands have been and what they're putting on the camera. Keep a lens cloth nearby and give the lens, or entire phone, a wipe once in a while.

7..  Play around with exposure. 
The iPhone lets you specify where to optimize exposure by tapping that part of the screen when previewing your shot, which also sets the focus point. Play around with the exposure by tapping different parts of the screen to see what looks best for what you're trying to capture. You can also create silhouettes this way.

8..  Keep your photos simple. 
Don't over clutter the subject or background.  Noisy photos can be distracting and take away from the purpose of the shot.

9..  Don't be afraid to use editing apps. 
There are a load of apps out there that will help you spice up those photos. Add filters, lighten or darken, turn to black and white, create collages or add graphics.

10..  Get social. 
Be proud of the photos you've taken and show them off on social media!

Follow me on Instagram @toandfro21 for more of my iPhone photography.