7 creative ways to use the grid on your smartphone for better photos
If you use your smartphone camera regularly (and who doesn’t at this point?), I recommend enabling the grid. They lift your leg up while taking photos, allowing you to take smartphone photography to the next level.
However, if you need some convincing, here are some examples of the types of shots that will help you hit the grid line. While all of these shots are possible without grid lines, grid lines make shooting a lot easier and help you get better results.
1 Use the grid lines to find the symmetry of the shot
Some photography styles benefit from the use of symmetry. For example, landscapes with a horizon. Or urban photography where angular features like buildings and roads are everywhere you look. And you can use the grid lines on your phone to find the symmetry of the shot. Just make sure you avoid these common urban photography mistakes.
If you have the option to enable a 4×4 grid, do so. This way you’ll have a grid line that splits the image in two, making it easier to see symmetry where it exists. However, a standard 3×3 grid can also help. For example, when shooting in an urban area, buildings that lie on 3×3 lines on either side will create a satisfying symmetry.
2 Use grid lines to capture more satisfying reflections
Reflections can elevate an ordinary photo to one that draws the viewer into the action. Whether it’s splitting a photo in two, with the reflection in the water matching what’s above, or capturing the reflection in a window or shiny surface. And with the help of grid lines, you can make this effect even more impressive.
Again, a 4×4 grid is the best choice for this as you can use the center line to find the perfect bounce. However, even a 3×3 grid helps because it can let you know where to place the camera (or how far to zoom in or out) before pressing the shutter. For example, the reflection of everything in two thirds of the picture in the second third will add to the interest.
3 Use grid lines to achieve longer opening lines
Leading lines are one of my favorite compositional techniques because when done well they can achieve many things. Most obviously, they draw viewers’ eyes into the photograph and point them towards the subject. But they can also be an interesting feature in their own right, and the longer the front lines, the more they become the main focus.
Grid lines can help you achieve longer and more aesthetic execution lines. If you see an opportunity to include opening lines in the photo, see if there is an option to extend them. This might just mean walking backwards to get more in the frame. Or you can get closer to the ground and artificially expand them. In any case, the grid lines will help you keep everything aligned.
4 Use a grid to line up the natural frames
When shooting with a smartphone, I always look for natural images. Whether it’s tree branches, a gap in a fence, or a literal window frame, you can use these elements to make your photo infinitely more interesting. They add something of value in the foreground and literally help you frame the subject behind them.
The grid on your phone lets you find the best way to use these natural frames to frame the subject behind them. You don’t necessarily want the subject dead center in the frame. You may also want to pull back so that the edges of the frame don’t match the edges of the photo. And grid lines can help you achieve the best results.
5 Use a grid to add more depth to any photo
When taking pictures, no matter what hardware you use, you should always consider the whole of what you’re capturing. The theme is of course the key element, but what happens around it is also important. And an often overlooked use of grid lines is their ability to add more depth to any photo, regardless of the subject.
Look around and see what else you could include in the shot. Would it add anything to the final composition? If so, try to include it by changing the position or angle or by zooming out. However, doing any of the above steps will change the layout of the shot, which is where the grid lines can help you keep everything aligned as you originally intended.
6 Use grid lines to highlight negative space
Although many photographers seem to overlook the importance of negative space, it is important to have some incorporated into every image. Negative, unfilled space can bring more focus to the real object. A busy photo where every pixel is occupied leaves no room for your eyes, which can lead to the viewer not knowing what to look at.
Grid lines come in handy here because they allow you to place the subject of your shot in the photo, surrounded by negative space. Whether that negative space is a cloudy sky, a brick wall or a sandy beach. The grid lines allow you to find the sweet spot where the subject is in focus while everything around them essentially frames their presence.
7 Use grid lines to create more dynamic tension
Grid lines are generally used to provide symmetry or balance, but they can also be used to frame objects in an interesting way. By placing an object close to the edge of the frame, you can create dynamic tension. For example, if you’re photographing someone running, letting them take up the left side of the frame while they move to the right leaves more room to show where they’re running.
Essentially, you are creating movement and action even when the shot is still. Grid lines help with this by showing you where to place everything in the frame for the maximum amount of dynamic tension. And if your phone’s camera app offers them, the grid lines of the golden ratio provide a good guide for balancing the different elements.
By using the grid in your smartphone’s camera app, you can get better photos almost every time. As you can see above, grid lines not only help keep everything aligned, their presence forces you to think more about your composition and take more interesting photos as a result.