Camera Phone Photography 101

You don't need to be a seasoned photographer to take advantage of your camera phone. Although you're unlikely to take pictures suitable for printing much larger than a wallet-sized print, camera phones are great when it comes to spur-of-the-moment pictures that can be shared through email or through a text message!

Here are some photo tips for using your camera phone:

Use a High Resolution Setting

Most camera phones have a picture quality option. The higher the resolution, the better the quality. Although you may not notice the difference on your tiny phone display, it'll make all the difference once you view your photos on a computer screen. A word of caution: if your phone only takes digital photos in 1 megapixel, you'll probably want to keep a regular camera on hand for important events.

Click! Click! Click!

Most of us have our cell phones with us at all times, so it's easy to take a lot of pictures. Since they're digital, the stinkers can be easily deleted, and the keepers can be saved, shared, or stored on your phone or your computer. You may even find that what you thought was a bad digital photo at the time turns out to be your best one!

Picture-taking Tips & Tricks

• Get close to your subject: Even models that have a zoom feature don't zoom very far, so you must be close to whatever you're taking pictures of. If your phone has a digital zoom, the quality will suffer.
• Take pictures in bright light: Low light is a sure recipe for a bad photo, and not all phones have a built-in flash. Rely on sunlight or, if indoors, extra light to ensure that your pictures aren't dark or grainy.
• Experiment: Turn your phone sideways or diagonal. Shoot from above or below. Be creative with who and what you shoot. Remember, it's digital – if you don't like a picture, you can just delete it!
• Don't be rude: Don't take pictures of strangers without their permission. Pay attention to the rules that apply to your surroundings, such as in airplanes, at historic sites, or at concerts.

Taking the time to get to know your camera phone and keeping in mind its limitations will help a long way in its meeting your expectations when you point and shoot!

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