Photography

I enjoy photography. Years back, I used to carry a Canon Rebel camera along with numerous lenses and filters. It was both heavy and costly. I realized that I was often seeing the world through the camera lens and missing out on many experiences. Now, I use my cell phone, a Google Pixel 7. Modern cell phone cameras are both capable and convenient. All the photos below were captured with mine. Digital photography allows us to take many shots and select only the best ones.

Tips for Taking Stunning Photos with Cell Phones

1. Understand Your Camera Settings

• Explore manual settings if available, such as ISO, shutter speed, and focus.

• Utilize HDR mode for high-contrast scenes.

2. Use Natural Light

• Take photos during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for soft lighting.

• Avoid harsh midday sun to prevent strong shadows.

3. Composition Techniques

• Apply the rule of thirds by placing subjects along grid lines.

• Experiment with leading lines to draw the viewer's eye.

4. Keep Your Lens Clean

• Regularly wipe your camera lens to remove smudges and dirt.

5. Experiment with Angles

• Try shooting from different heights and perspectives for unique shots.

• Get close to your subject for detailed close-ups.

6. Use Editing Apps

• Enhance your photos with editing apps like Snapseed or Lightroom.

• Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to improve your images.

7. Avoid Digital Zoom

• Instead of zooming in, get closer to your subject to maintain image quality.

8. Utilize Grid Lines

• Enable grid lines in your camera settings to help with composition.

9. Focus on the Subject

• Tap on your subject on the screen to ensure it is in focus.

10. Practice Regularly

• Take photos often to improve your skills and develop your style.

Starting from the top left, you have a mosque in Cairo, Egypt. The angle is used to give the viewer a sense of how imposing and grand the building is.

Next is from Aruba and is all about composition. The ships, alone, wouldn't have the same impact. Put the palm in, and you get the feeling of island life.

I've taken thousands of pictures of sunsets. The best are ones that have a subject. Here, I used the oil rigs.

At a street market in Phuket, I captured the colors of the food on display. Look for those contrasts. Pictures "pop" when you can find them!

The next picture is of my late wife on an Emirates airline. This shows the use of light and colors. The stripes on her blouse went perfectly with the flight attendant's hat.

The camel is in Dubai, and I included it because of the subject, not the quality of the picture. I loved the cap used to keep him from biting. But I didn't notice until later that it was secured with a "Netherlands" strap!

The final shot is from my home in Daytona Beach. That's Hurricane Helene getting ready to wreak havoc on the east coast.