Practise, know the limits, and more tips for taking better photos with your phone

Credit: Image by Chris Feichtner

Everyone with a smartphone has the ability to create stunning images at the touch of a button, so there's never been a better time to start working on your photography skills.

From the image composition to the apps and tools used, there's lots of room for experimentation, but there are a number of factors that journalists should take into account if they want to get the perfect shot for publication.

Chris Feichtner, a travel iPhone photographer based in Vienna, explained to Journalism.co.uk that he ditched his DSLR in favour of an iPhone, as he was able to edit and publish his photos on the go.

"The size and weight of a smartphone gives you additional opportunities when composing an image, for example holding it above crowds and crouching into small places," he said.

"It's no different in the composition of an image – it's point and shoot," he said.

Feichtner recommended using the ProCamera app to tackle the iPhone's difficulty in taking photographs in low light situations, especially for taking pictures at night.

"I do some of my post-production on my iPhone, using the app Enlight, where you can post-process your photos using layers, reduce noise and adjust curves – everything that you previously needed a computer for."

Choose your subject carefully, ensuring that you don't put yourself in harm's way trying to cover a storyGreg McMillan, iPhoneographer

There are many free and paid-for apps that can help enhance your photos and give them a professional edge, such as Camera+ and Slow Shutter Cam, as well as those that allow you to produce material that works well on social media, such as Bubbli, for creating 360-degree images.

Of course, both iOS and Android phones do have their limitations, Feichtner noted. Mobile photography can become difficult when shooting sports, animal or close-ups.

"The iPhone works best with landscape photography," he said.

"You wouldn't want to take a shot of a lion with your phone because you need to get quite close to them, so a DSLR with a big lens would be more suited."

Indeed, iPhoneographer Greg McMillan explained that everyone using an iPhone for taking professional photos for publication should know the limitations of the smartphone.

"Choose your subject carefully, ensuring that you don't put yourself in harm's way trying to cover a story," he said.

"And if you're shooting for a news organisation you have to be ethical and be sure not to edit the photos beyond general enhancing, such as brightening a dark image."

We asked mobile journalism experts on Twitter for tips and advice for shooting with a smartphone. Check them out below.

Of course, a photograph is only as good as the skill of the person taking it, so get out there and start practising.

Looking for some inspiration? Take a look at these shots from the mobile journalists at this year's Thomson Foundation summer course.

Free daily newsletter

If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).