7 tips to take better photos, video on your smartphone


The best camera, as they say, is the one you have with you. And considering that as of last year 96 percent of Americans now own a mobile phone — from a simple flip phone to a minicomputer

smartphone — you likely have a device in your pocket or purse to capture memories and share them with those who matter. You might be surprised at just how good phones are getting at taking

photos and shooting video. This is especially true for the latest smartphones, which have greatly improved cameras compared with earlier models. But you can do a few things to truly get the

most out of your images. For some “phonography” tips and tricks, AARP caught up with Jefferson Graham, _USA Today_ technology columnist as well as host and producer of an online travel

photography show, _Photowalks_. Graham also is putting the finishing touches on a book, _52 Great Tips to Improve your iPhone Photos and Videos_, to be published in February. Stepping closer

can give you details in a person’s face or even the background behind. Evelyn Schmitt of Manhattan Beach, California, is getting ready to take pictures of the Pacific at the Manhattan Beach

Pier. COURTESY OF JEFFERSON GRAHAM 1. GET IN CLOSE "Even though the latest smartphones have better optical zoom to help you get closer to the subject, use your feet to get closer to

the subject. It will be a much better-looking photo,” Graham says. “The only way to get up close and personal is to get up close and personal.” So unless you want a lot of the background in

your photo, fill the whole frame with your subjects. Using your camera's zoom to simulate getting closer to your subject can lower the resolution dramatically and won't look good

if you decide to print the image larger later. Moving closer also means you can capture more facial detail, such as freckling, a dimple or a stunning detail of someone's iris. But play

around with how close is too close. That “macro” shot of, say, a flower, might look blurry when you look at it later on a computer screen or television. 2. PAY ATTENTION TO LIGHTING Avoid

using your phone's flash. The bright LED flash can result in overexposed images and washed-out colors. Instead, use whatever light is accessible to you, indoors and out, to capture the

most flattering shots. "If you're outside, shoot on cloudy days as they diffuse the sun or try to shoot in the shade,” Graham says. “If the sun is out, be sure your back is to the

sun and not your subject's or else they'll look like a silhouette.” Similarly, if you're photographing someone indoors, avoid placing the person near a window.