Whether you have an expensive iPhone or a budget Android phone, megapixels alone aren't enough to make your photos look beautiful. We often see some people take truly extraordinary photos even with simple phones. How is this possible? The secret lies in five small photography mistakes we unknowingly make every day. By avoiding these mistakes and correctly using the "hidden" settings in your smartphone camera, you too can become a professional photographer. So, let's learn the A-Z rules of smartphone photography.

If you want professional level output from your simple phone, then follow the guide below.

Cleaning the Lens: The Most Important First Step
According to 'support.apple.com' (REF.), we hold our phones in our hands all day long, which causes fingerprints, oil, and dust to accumulate on the camera lens. A dirty lens can cause photos to appear hazy or smudged. Always gently clean the lens with a soft cotton cloth or microfiber cloth before taking a photo.

Use the Rule of Thirds
According to adobe.com (ref.), the Rule of Thirds is a golden rule in photography for making your photos look balanced and attractive. Go to your phone's camera settings and turn on Grid Lines. This will display nine squares on the screen. Instead of placing your main subject in the center of the frame, place it where the lines intersect. This will make the photo look more professional.

Lighting planning
is crucial in photography. If you take photos with the light facing away from you, the subject will appear dark (except for silhouettes). Make sure the light always comes from the front or side of the subject. The 'golden hour' (the first hour after sunrise and the last hour after sunset) is best for natural light. Avoid using a flash, as it makes the photo look unnatural.

Exposure and Focus Lock
The camera focuses automatically, but it often focuses on the wrong object. Tap where your subject is on the screen. A yellow or white box will appear. You can manually control the brightness (exposure) by moving the sun icon next to that box up and down. If you want to maintain the same focus for a long time, long press there to lock focus.

Avoid digital zoom
Smartphones have two types of zoom: optical and digital. Digital zoom simply magnifies the image, which scatters pixels and makes the photo appear grainy. Instead of zooming in, move closer to the subject. If this isn't possible, take the photo at its original size and then crop it. This will maintain the clarity of the photo.

According to professional photographers, vision is more important than expensive equipment for good photography. Experiment with different angles (such as low or high angles). If possible, use a tripod to steady your hands while taking photos.

PC: Maharashtra times