Tips to Make Sure You Don't Miss That Perfect Shot

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Your 15-month-old granddaughter decides to eat the world’s messiest chocolate cupcake, and you just know it would be the cutest video in the free world.

Or your 4-month-old grandson starts playing with his dog, and the photos would garner more likes on Facebook than everything you’ve ever posted combined.

But you missed the shot. Your phone was still in your pocket or your pocketbook. Or you had it in your hand and got so flustered you couldn’t unlock it until after the moment had passed. The

photo you did manage to take was out of focus or not centered or your grandkids had their eyes closed.

What can you do so you don’t miss any of these potential viral — or America’s Funniest Home Videos — moments?

Maximilian Franz, a full-time professional photographer and video producer in the Baltimore area, says his top tip is “clean your lens off as soon as you pull your phone out of your pocket.

I see that all the time.” Franz, who has been doing corporate and event photography since 2018, after a 19-year career in newspapers, also says you should familiarize yourself with the

movements of the phone.

To take a quick photo on an iPhone, you don’t need to enter your passcode or use biometrics. You can get to the camera by swiping left from the home screen even when it’s locked.

Many Android devices have similar features. Samsung Galaxy phones have a camera icon that you can touch at the bottom right corner of the screen. iPhones also have a camera icon in the same

place.

It may sound like a no-brainer, but to get that great candid shot, have your phone out of your pocket.

Franz says that’s the number 1 reason younger folks are able to capture those great moments while many older adults don’t. Younger people often seem to be attached to their devices, and

taking photos is at the front of their minds.

“They always have their phones in their hands,” he says. “They’re always ready to take pictures.”

Allie Waldman takes an iPhone photo of her daughter, Emma. Joseph Waldman