Avoid these 9 common smartphone photography mistakes for better pictures

Smartphone photography has come a long way, allowing almost everyone to take amazing pictures with the device they carry around on a daily basis. But even with all the advances in technology, there are still common mistakes that can prevent you from getting the best shots possible.

1 You are relying too much on automatic mode

While your smartphone’s camera’s automatic settings are convenient, relying solely on automatic mode can limit your control over the resulting image. Auto mode adjusts everything for you, which can be useful in some cases, but it also means you leave important decisions – like exposure, white balance and focus – to the phone’s algorithms.

For example, if you’re shooting in difficult lighting conditions, the camera may not expose the scene as you’d like, resulting in washed-out highlights or overly dark shadows. Switching to manual control lets you adjust settings like ISO and shutter speed to more effectively handle difficult lighting and get a shot that looks the way you want it to.

Not every native smartphone camera app lets you shoot in manual mode, which is where third-party camera apps come in handy. Third-party camera apps like ReLens and Pro Camera give you access to the exposure triangle — ISO, shutter speed, and aperture — allowing you to fine-tune your photos and capture scenes as you see them, rather than as your phone interprets them.

2 Zoom in instead of zoom

One of the biggest mistakes people make when taking pictures with smartphones is relying on digital zoom to get closer to the subject. Unlike optical zoom, which uses the camera lens to enlarge the image, digital zoom simply crops and enlarges the image, resulting in a noticeable loss of quality and sharpness.

Instead of zooming in, get physically close to the object whenever possible. This ensures that you are using the camera’s full resolution and maintaining maximum detail. If zooming is not possible, it is better to take a picture and crop it later during editing to preserve the higher quality of the picture.

3 You forget to clean the lens

Smartphone lenses are constantly exposed to dust, fingerprints and smudges because we carry our phones everywhere. A dirty lens can make your photos look blurry, hazy or lack contrast, and many people don’t realize this until they compare their images to cleaner, sharper ones.

Get into the habit of giving the lens a quick wipe with a soft, clean cloth or even a shirt (if it’s not rough) before taking any photo. This small step can greatly improve the clarity of your images and prevent the subtle, hazy look that can occur due to dirt on the lens.

4 Taking too few pictures

One of the best things about digital photography is that you can take as many photos as you want without worrying about running out of film. Yet many still shoot just one or two shots and hope for the best. This approach can lead to missed opportunities or subpar photos, especially when capturing a fleeting moment or in difficult lighting.

Instead, take multiple pictures from slightly different angles or with different settings. This gives you more options to choose from when reviewing your photos later. Don’t be afraid to experiment – sometimes the best shot is the one you didn’t expect.

5 Do not pay attention to the lighting

Lighting can make or break a photo, yet it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of smartphone photography. Many people shoot without regard to where the light is coming from or how it affects their subject. Poor lighting can cause unwanted shadows, overexposure, or dullness in photos.

To improve your shots, always pay attention to the light. Natural light is usually the most flattering, so try to shoot during the ‘golden hour’ when the light is soft and warm. If you’re shooting indoors, position yourself near a window for more even lighting. Avoid harsh ceiling lighting unless you want a dramatic effect, and experiment with different angles to see how the light interacts with your subject.

6 Using the flash for any low-light situation

Many smartphone users instinctively reach for the flash when taking pictures in low-light conditions. While flash can be useful, overusing it often results in harsh and unflattering lighting that can wash out colors and create unattractive shadows. Instead of relying on flash, explore alternative methods to improve your low-light photos.

Try increasing the ISO setting if your camera app allows it, which can help brighten images without the need for flash. Additionally, look for available light sources such as lamps or street lights to illuminate the subject more naturally.

If possible, use a tripod or place the phone on a stable surface to prevent camera shake during longer exposures. This allows you to capture more detail without the harshness of a built-in flash.

7 Excessive use of HDR

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a fantastic feature that helps capture a wider range of tones in your photos, especially in challenging lighting situations. However, using HDR too often or inappropriately can lead to unnatural, over-processed images. This often results in a “fake” look where colors appear oversaturated and details in shadows and highlights are exaggerated.

Instead of defaulting to HDR for every shot, consider when it’s really necessary. HDR works best in high-contrast scenes – such as landscapes with clear skies and dark foregrounds – but can be overdone in simpler scenes. Use it selectively and preview the results to ensure that your images retain their natural look while taking advantage of the HDR effect.

8 Skipping the rules of composition

Good composition is key to creating eye-catching and visually appealing photos, yet it is overlooked by many smartphone users. Relying on instinct alone often results in poorly framed shots that lack impact. Familiarizing yourself with basic compositional rules such as the rule of thirds, guidelines, and framing can greatly improve your photography.

For example, the rule of thirds suggests dividing the image into a grid of nine equal parts and placing the subject along those lines or at their intersections for a more balanced composition. Similarly, guiding lines – such as roads or fences – can lead the viewer’s eye to the main subject. Feel free to experiment with different angles and perspectives to discover compositions that best highlight your subject.

9 Burst mode is not used for action shots

Taking action shots can be tricky, especially if your subject is moving quickly. It’s easy to make the mistake of taking just one photo and hoping for the perfect shot, but this method often leads to missed opportunities. To increase your chances of capturing the perfect moment, use your phone’s burst mode.

Burst mode allows you to take a quick burst of photos in rapid succession, giving you a better chance of freezing the action at the right moment. This is especially useful for sports, pets or children on the move. Once you’ve taken a series, you can scroll through the images to find the one with the best composition and clarity.

Smartphone photography may seem simple, but avoiding these common mistakes can greatly improve your skills and improve the quality of your images. These tips can help you get the most out of your smartphone and bring your creative vision to life.