Photo Tips For Taking Stronger Pictures In-doors With Your Smartphone

Most people these days carry a camera with them at all times - our smartphones are wonderful devices!

However, not all images we take with our smartphone turn out the way we would like them to. 

You can up-level your pictures, if you learn a bit about light and composition. 

In this post, I will give you a few tips on using light to strengthen your shots in-doors. Stay tuned for more tips on lighting and composition in my future blogs.  

Standing in front of the window and facing the window.

Standing in front of the window. My back is to the window and I am facing inside to the room.

Next time you pick up your smartphone to take a picture in-doors, try these suggestions.  

1. Turn off your overhead lights and lamps.  Two reasons for this. Overhead lights create a lighting scenario that does not flatter your subject.  The overhead lights will create shadows in the eyes, under the nose and chin. The second reason, is the natural sunlight and lights in your home are different color temperatures. Your images will then have competing colors lighting your subject. You only want one!

2. Find a window or doorway. The bigger the window, the more natural light to illuminate your subject. If you are using an entryway, open the door and stand in the light. 

3. Place yourself or your subject next to the window or in the entryway. 

4. If you are taking a picture of a person, have them face the window or turn towards the window at 45 degree angle. This allows the light to illuminate their face. It will bring light into their eyes and flatter their skin.   If they have their back to the window and face inside the room, a portrait will end up dull and flat. 

5. If you are taking pictures of an item (flower, food or other still life), position it next to the window.  Shoot at the item from all different directions.  This will give you a variety of perspectives and lighting scenarios . 

Watch this video for a demonstration of how your subject’s position in-doors can impact the quality of your picture.