Photo How To

Smartphone camera technology has advanced to the point that it's now long past time to stop looking down on photographers who pursue our craft with a mobile device in their hand. After all, with four billion smartphones capturing 73% of all images, it's time to embrace the power of your Apple or Android phone, and that’s the topic of today's tutorial from the My Photo Journey YouTube channel.

Today's instructor is a notable British outdoor photographer who goes by the handle Dawley Lad. This behind-the scenes episode takes you on a picturesque stroll through Lincoln's charming Cathedral quarter where Dawley demonstrates a number of techniques as he captures excellent images of Little Read Gallery, charming Olivares Café, and Steep Hill's iconic Norman House at the base of a historic hill.

Dawley's vibrant and artistic images are all you need to be convinced that his straightforward methods deliver awe-inspiring photos when shooting after the sun drops below the horizon. He shares a variety of tips for using the Pro mode on your phone just like you employ various techniques with a DSLR or modern mirrorless camera.

The discussion includes  the most appropriate smartphone settings for shooting after dark, like adjusting highlights and shadows to make the most of different nighttime scenes even when shooting images in Jpeg mode. Thoughtful composition is part of the process, and you'll learn about framing tools that are readily available with most phones.

In other words, the goal is to expand your expectations beyond capturing images that could be generously described as mere snapshot photography. We suggest having your phone handy so you can experiment with your newfound knowledge as Dawley describes his favorite camera settings and techniques.

All modern smartphones include a Night mode, and you'd be excused for assuming this is the best approach to take for this specific task. But Dawley demonstrates why the Pro mode is usually preferable because it provides far more control for adjusting various key parameters like ISO, shutter speed, and EV compensation.

Dawley even uses this advanced mode to alter focus point and white balance. He also explains the benefits of other helpful tools like a phone's self-timer that can really help when using low ISO settings to minimize noise and achieve maximum image quality under low-light conditions. Another important tool enables you to match the aspect ratio to the particular subject at hand.

If you're unconvinced that your smartphone IS a real camera, this lesson will change your mind in the next 14 minutes. The My Photo Journey YouTube channel offers many more instructional videos for beginners and experienced photographers alike.

You may also benefit from watching the recent tutorial we featured with another accomplished shooter who demonstrates several unconventional shooting techniques that enable you to capture dramatic wide-angle outdoor photographs with an uncommon look.