Words by Dave Williams, A Platypod Pro
Stock Images from Pexels
Edited by Eryka Bagwell

"Mobile photography is growing in popularity and it seems that the past couple of years have shown an explosion that stands in contrast to what we used to see from Instagram users posting iPhone snapshots. The cell phone spec. race has probably been the driving force behind this as manufacturers compete to outperform one-another."

"An interesting fact that I came across recently is that Apple is now the most popular camera brand in the world in terms of ownership. In our industry, we’re used to the Canon / Nikon / Sony battle, so it was a huge surprise to me when I came across this information. The source was a survey of photos that were uploaded to Flickr that had the camera brand meta data and it put Apple in the lead at 150,787,710 photos, followed by Canon at 133,780,254." 

"With that statistic on the table, I’m here today to speak in my capacity as a photography instructor. Having delivered lessons at the KelbyOne iPhone Photography Conference and Photoshop World alike, I'd like to address some of the biggest mobile photography mistakes that I've seen throughout my experience and thought that I would compile my top tips that you can use to take your mobile photos to the next level. Here goes nothing:"

Wipe The Lens

"This seems like it would be the most obvious to say but, it’s something that tends to gets overlooked. Our mobile lenses are protected and coated so they’re generally in good condition but, just as we do with our ‘big’ camera, we should always clean the lenses with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or oils that have come from our fingers, pockets and handbags. A clear lens will give us a clear photo – it’s as simple as that. It’s amazing how many photographers have never cleaned the lens on their iPhone. Don’t overlook this simple step and you’ll be on track to create some epic mobile content."

Treat It Like A Camera

"Another apparently obvious tip, granted. Be sure to consider the intended use of your final photo. My first suggestion is to plan how you want to use the final photo. Next, I'd suggest deciding all of the important aspects such as perspective, composition, orientation and of course your camera settings. Giving due consideration to the above specifics will result in a more deliberate and intentional photo that results in a final capture that is likely more attractive and creative overall. For example, if you’re taking a photo that you want to use on an Instagram Story, it should be taken in portrait orientation and the crop of 9:16 will apply. Be mindful of your negative space as it will be required for any stickers, links or other text you might want to include. Additionally, the photo should make people stop in their tracks when they’re scrolling through. These are all things that come from treating your mobile photography experience more like a regular camera experience."

Use Apps in your Favor

"There’s an app for everything so be sure to take advantage of the tools being offered to help you. Apps that offer results such as long exposure like 'Even Longer' or editing apps like 'Adobe Lightroom Mobile' help to ensure your photos reach the next level. I always say that good enough isn’t good enough – we shouldn’t make do. If we make the most of what we have available to us we’re far more likely to end up with a jaw-dropper that will help to achieve our goals, be that in marketing our services as a photographer or impressing our friends on Facebook."

Think About Gear

"We spend money on accessories for our cameras and now that our phones are the most readily available technology, it’s time to consider what gear can help us elevate our photos. I have a range of options in my bag including a Platypod Ultra and Square Jellyfish for situations that require simple, lightweight options, and a Platypod eXtreme and Platypod Handle with Peak Design Mobile Creator Kit for more complex situations where I just need something a little more sturdy. There are a plethora of options out there to fit any situation (and any budget), so take a look around and see what might suit your needs." 

"Overall, mobile photography is a big deal and as pro photographers it’s important that we take it seriously as a genre. The old saying, 'the best camera you have, is the one in your pocket' is true now more than ever."