How to take better photos on your phone
Simple habits that make a real difference: clean the lens, use the grid, tap to focus and set exposure, find good light and hold steady.
- Time
- 10 minutes to set up
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Your phone
- Microfibre cloth Search Amazon for microfibre lens cloth
- Small phone tripod (optional) Search Amazon for phone tripod
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon links go to search results, so you can compare what’s available.
Safety first
- Ask permission before photographing people, and be careful sharing photos of children online.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Clean the lens
Phone lenses pick up fingerprints that make pictures hazy. Wipe gently with a soft microfibre cloth before you shoot.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Turn on the grid
On iPhone go to Settings > Camera > Grid. On most Android phones, open the camera's settings and turn on grid lines. Use the lines to keep horizons straight and to place your subject on a third rather than dead centre.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Tap to focus and adjust brightness
Tap the screen where you want sharp focus. On iPhone, drag up or down next to the focus box to make the picture brighter or darker; touch and hold to lock focus and exposure (AE/AF Lock). Android cameras have a similar slider after tapping.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Find good light
Soft daylight is the most flattering: by a window for portraits, or early morning and late afternoon outdoors. Avoid harsh midday sun on faces, and keep the main light behind you rather than behind your subject.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Use the main lens and avoid digital zoom
Move closer instead of pinching to zoom, which can lose detail. Use the phone's dedicated zoom (e.g. 2x or 3x) or portrait mode if it has one.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Hold steady
Tuck your elbows in, breathe out, and press the shutter gently, or use a volume button. In low light use night mode and keep still, or rest the phone on something.
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Edit lightly
Use the built-in editor to straighten, crop and adjust brightness a little. Less is more.
Tips
- Take several shots and keep the best.
- Get down to eye level for pets and children.
- Turn off the flash for most indoor shots: it often looks harsh.
Questions people ask
Should I use HDR?
Most modern phones handle it automatically and it helps with bright skies.
Why are my night photos blurry?
The camera needs a longer exposure. Hold still or rest the phone, and use night mode.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- Apple Support: Use iPhone camera features (support.apple.com)
- Google Pixel Help: Take photos with your Pixel camera (support.google.com)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-take-better-photos-on-your-phone/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.