7 Features on most cell phones1. Quick Access- Timing is everything! Capture the moment!

I-Phone - access the camera swipe to left from open screen no need to unlock screen. Older version hold finger on camera icon on the bottom

Android – double click on the power button

2. Setting Focus

Focal points can be adjusted manually to make the foreground brighter or to enhance the focal point.

I-phone – set focus by tapping your finger in the area you want focused. The phone will focus on that area. Each focal point changes the image the part you want sharp is where you set focus. This will allow you to focus on people in the foreground or objects and blur the background or vice versa. You can lock the focal point by holding your finger down and you will see AFC lock. Practice on the center pieces or flowers.

Android – phone don’t be afraid to try the camera settings. You can adjust the exposure and the focal point via settings.

3. Exposure

Light you can also tap in the screen and adjust exposure touch screen with finger and a sun appears then slide finger up or down for lighter or darker. If you are not sure then a little darker is better it’s easier to fix because no info is saved or detail is not save d overexposed.

Android – easily adjusted in settings.

4. Lock Focal Point

Lock focus and exposure if you are trying to capture motion or a particular scene. Unless you lock, once you take a photo all the setting reset. If you don’t want to set lock the exposure and focus. Tap and hold the finger it will lock it AE/AFLOCK to release do the same. Locked focus stays the way it was. To change back do the same thing. Important if there is a lot of movement in the scene. As motion causes the camera to refocus and will blur your shot. You can set in advance to be ready when the movement enters the scene.

5. HDR Photos

Sets the dark and light areas blends them for stronger picture by taking multiple exposures to get correct HDR. You can turn it on or off based on the picture. Landscapes challenging photos – it’s on. This will help avoid areas that are too dark or light in the landscape. Set it up so phone saves two version one with HDR and one without.

More details in landscape, not as many details. More blacks and grays. Sometime s you want more contrast in the picture.

6. Burst Mode

This is good for movement etc. Press and hold the shutter when legs are wide apart. So hold it down and take several choose the one you want to keep.

7. Editing Tools

Filters, Cropping, Exposure, Light, and Color Corrections are all available on both the 1-phone and the Android.

Photo Tips

1) Rule of ThirdsDivide your shot up in thirds (example: 2/3 sky – 1/3 ground)This provides a more realistic viewpoint and a professional polish to the photo.

2) PerspectiveBe creative shoot from different angles and elevations

3) DimensionUse foreground subjects to show dimension.

4) Simplicity

5) Framing/Balance

6) Leading LinesShow depth using leading lines

7) Lighting

8) Don’t Over Crop

9) Include Shadows

Business Tips

No alcohol in pictures.

Ask people to stop and pose. Make them feel at ease.

Don’t take pictures of children for public use unless you have a release form.

Avoid taking pictures of people with their backs to the window or other bright light this causes a silhouette effect.

When shooting one person shoot them slightly off center.

Don’t over crop.

When possible have them face a window this will allow natural light to aid in the shoot.

Lighting is the most important element to assure crisp, clear photos.

Look for interesting moments and candid shots.

Don’t stand too close to the subjects.

The flash is only good about 5 feet away.

Shoot from above the crowd for interesting event shots.

Be mindful of nametags and clothing malfunctions.

Pay attention to what is behind the subject.

Make sure to ask if you can take their picture and let them know if it going to be on social media.

Have FUN!