AndroidTutor2018- While auto mode allows for quick point-and-shoot photographs, which is fine a lot of the time, manual mode is where the real magic happens. Here are some tips to getting the most out of your camera’s manual mode.
PhotoCorner: essential apps for photography enthusiasts
How to take better photos with your Android phone
Choose the best camera app
You might find some of the functions mentioned here to be missing from your camera app’s manual mode. If this is the case, we have a list of the best camera apps on Android, so try a few out and find the one that works for you.
Best camera apps for Android
Now that that’s out of the way, here’s how to make the most of manual mode.
Frame your pictures using the grid overlay
Before photographing your subject, think about how to frame it. You can set it up so that everything appears aligned and uniform in the picture, but you can also opt for a picture with deliberately messy elements. The grid overlay feature can help you to decide how to frame your pictures.
The rule is very simple: horizontal lines help you frame the horizon, such as streets, mountains, seas and tables, while the vertical lines serve to align buildings, antennae, people and objects. You do not need to frame the subject of your photo in the main square of the grid; what you need to remember here is the rule of thirds.
The grid overlay can help you frame your photos. / © ANDROIDPIT
The rule of thirds basically states that your subject should align with one of the grid’s intersections or lines. Note that no line or intersection appears in the center of the image. The rule of thirds is precisely about not centering the subject, creating greater tension and interest.
Use HDR mode (sometimes)
HDR compensates for differences in light and contrast; it also changes the level and intensity of colors. The best way to use the function is in situations where your subject is backlit. We have prepared a specific article with tips for HDR mode. You can access it here:
What is HDR mode and when should I use it on my smartphone?
Personally, I prefer to capture my images without HDR mode enabled and edit them in a standalone app, such as Snapseed. My advice is to take two photos – one with and one without HDR enabled – and compare them to see which you prefer.
HDR mode is useful for evening out exposure ranges. / © ANDROIDPIT
Get up close and personal with macro photography
Macro mode can add interest to almost any object. You just have position your camera at the right distance from your subject and focus. However, the results depend on the quality of the camera lens, since not all cameras can focus as well as the Galaxy S7.
To get a good macro shot, get close to your subject. But not too close: most manufacturers recommend a distance of no less than 3 cm. You will also need a very steady hand, or a tripod, to achieve the best results.
A good macro shot puts your subject in focus against a blurry background. / © ANDROIDPIT
Use the ISO to adjust exposure and light sensitivity
Who said controlling the ISO is only for professionals? The ISO controls the exposure levels, so this feature can improve - or worsen - the photos you capture in particularly bright or dark environments.
Remember to adjust the ISO according to your environment and subject. If you choose a high ISO setting in a bright place, the image will be overexposed and, therefore, ruined. A higher ISO means a slower shutter speed is needed, which in turn means you can more easily capture fast-moving subjects. In general, a low ISO will achieve better image quality, as there will be less noise. Play around with your ISO and you will quickly come to understand how it works.
ISO can counter light and exposure sensitivity. / © ANDROIDPIT
Use the flash in moderation
The flash should be a last resort. The goal of the flash is not to illuminate entirely dark areas; think of it as a kind of alternative to HDR mode. If you are taking a picture where the background is bright and your subject is dark, the flash can balance the two out.
The flash is best used sparingly. / © ANDROIDPIT
Avoid using the flash too close to your or your subject’s face or near mirrors, glass or laminated objects, since the light will be reflected, leading to an overexposed image.
Know any more tips for using your camera’s manual mode? Let us know in the comments.
312 Shares
Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Share on Google+ 312 Shares
More from the web
How I Found Motivation by Ditching Earbuds and Embracing DiscomfortZappos
Monterey Park, California: This Brilliant Company Is Disrupting a $200 Billion IndustryEverQuote Insurance Quotes
Why It's Time To Start Using GrubhubThe Crave by Grubhub
These 8 Supplements Will Strengthen And Grow Your PhysiqueBodybuilding.com
by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links
5 comments
Write a comment!
Write new comment:
SubmitCancel
18 Albin Foro Aug 25, 2016 Link to comment
Good tips. I'll throw in a couple of things I do 1) most manual camera apps can be set to NOT shoot unless and until focus has been achieved, and 2) most can also be set for a one or two second delay between pressing the shutter and the actual exposure, allowing for a steady grip and sharp image. Also, always best to "zoom" with your feet and not with the camera, where possible - better to crop a wide angle image than blur it with digital zooming.
0
Reply
17 Jerry's W. Jul 31, 2016 Link to comment
Bruno explained in for everyone understandable words the basics of making advantage of your phone-camera and I think many people can learn from this . Good article.
1 ThomasD
Reply
11 Ivan C. Jul 30, 2016 Link to comment
Nice Tips! Very useful.
But isn't it "Amazing Phone + Amazing Camera + Amazing Price Tag" = "Amazing Pictures" or not always?!
0
Reply
13 Chad_Higgins Jul 30, 2016 Link to comment
You can have it all
if you get a HTC Desire 816
1 Ivan C.
Reply
6 ThomasD Aug 1, 2016 Link to comment
haha sounds about right! :D
0
Reply
Write a comment!
PhotoCorner: essential apps for photography enthusiasts
How to take better photos with your Android phone
Choose the best camera app
You might find some of the functions mentioned here to be missing from your camera app’s manual mode. If this is the case, we have a list of the best camera apps on Android, so try a few out and find the one that works for you.
Best camera apps for Android
Now that that’s out of the way, here’s how to make the most of manual mode.
Frame your pictures using the grid overlay
Before photographing your subject, think about how to frame it. You can set it up so that everything appears aligned and uniform in the picture, but you can also opt for a picture with deliberately messy elements. The grid overlay feature can help you to decide how to frame your pictures.
The rule is very simple: horizontal lines help you frame the horizon, such as streets, mountains, seas and tables, while the vertical lines serve to align buildings, antennae, people and objects. You do not need to frame the subject of your photo in the main square of the grid; what you need to remember here is the rule of thirds.
The grid overlay can help you frame your photos. / © ANDROIDPIT
The rule of thirds basically states that your subject should align with one of the grid’s intersections or lines. Note that no line or intersection appears in the center of the image. The rule of thirds is precisely about not centering the subject, creating greater tension and interest.
Use HDR mode (sometimes)
HDR compensates for differences in light and contrast; it also changes the level and intensity of colors. The best way to use the function is in situations where your subject is backlit. We have prepared a specific article with tips for HDR mode. You can access it here:
What is HDR mode and when should I use it on my smartphone?
Personally, I prefer to capture my images without HDR mode enabled and edit them in a standalone app, such as Snapseed. My advice is to take two photos – one with and one without HDR enabled – and compare them to see which you prefer.
HDR mode is useful for evening out exposure ranges. / © ANDROIDPIT
Get up close and personal with macro photography
Macro mode can add interest to almost any object. You just have position your camera at the right distance from your subject and focus. However, the results depend on the quality of the camera lens, since not all cameras can focus as well as the Galaxy S7.
To get a good macro shot, get close to your subject. But not too close: most manufacturers recommend a distance of no less than 3 cm. You will also need a very steady hand, or a tripod, to achieve the best results.
A good macro shot puts your subject in focus against a blurry background. / © ANDROIDPIT
Use the ISO to adjust exposure and light sensitivity
Who said controlling the ISO is only for professionals? The ISO controls the exposure levels, so this feature can improve - or worsen - the photos you capture in particularly bright or dark environments.
Remember to adjust the ISO according to your environment and subject. If you choose a high ISO setting in a bright place, the image will be overexposed and, therefore, ruined. A higher ISO means a slower shutter speed is needed, which in turn means you can more easily capture fast-moving subjects. In general, a low ISO will achieve better image quality, as there will be less noise. Play around with your ISO and you will quickly come to understand how it works.
ISO can counter light and exposure sensitivity. / © ANDROIDPIT
Use the flash in moderation
The flash should be a last resort. The goal of the flash is not to illuminate entirely dark areas; think of it as a kind of alternative to HDR mode. If you are taking a picture where the background is bright and your subject is dark, the flash can balance the two out.
The flash is best used sparingly. / © ANDROIDPIT
Avoid using the flash too close to your or your subject’s face or near mirrors, glass or laminated objects, since the light will be reflected, leading to an overexposed image.
Know any more tips for using your camera’s manual mode? Let us know in the comments.
312 Shares
Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Share on Google+ 312 Shares
More from the web
How I Found Motivation by Ditching Earbuds and Embracing DiscomfortZappos
Monterey Park, California: This Brilliant Company Is Disrupting a $200 Billion IndustryEverQuote Insurance Quotes
Why It's Time To Start Using GrubhubThe Crave by Grubhub
These 8 Supplements Will Strengthen And Grow Your PhysiqueBodybuilding.com
by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links
5 comments
Write a comment!
Write new comment:
SubmitCancel
18 Albin Foro Aug 25, 2016 Link to comment
Good tips. I'll throw in a couple of things I do 1) most manual camera apps can be set to NOT shoot unless and until focus has been achieved, and 2) most can also be set for a one or two second delay between pressing the shutter and the actual exposure, allowing for a steady grip and sharp image. Also, always best to "zoom" with your feet and not with the camera, where possible - better to crop a wide angle image than blur it with digital zooming.
0
Reply
17 Jerry's W. Jul 31, 2016 Link to comment
Bruno explained in for everyone understandable words the basics of making advantage of your phone-camera and I think many people can learn from this . Good article.
1 ThomasD
Reply
11 Ivan C. Jul 30, 2016 Link to comment
Nice Tips! Very useful.
But isn't it "Amazing Phone + Amazing Camera + Amazing Price Tag" = "Amazing Pictures" or not always?!
0
Reply
13 Chad_Higgins Jul 30, 2016 Link to comment
You can have it all
if you get a HTC Desire 816
1 Ivan C.
Reply
6 ThomasD Aug 1, 2016 Link to comment
haha sounds about right! :D
0
Reply
Write a comment!
0 Response to "How to take amazing pictures using manual mode -[AndroidTutor2018]"
Post a Comment