: These days, every gadget on the market seems to also come equipped with two completely different gizmos built right in.
My portable video game console doubles as a web browser. My music player also has a screen for playing movies, and just about everything with batteries has a digital camera on it. In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if someone equipped a high-end digital camera with another built-in camera just to see if anyone would buy the thing.
But, according to some surveys, more people are using the cameras that come on their cell phones than are using regular "just a camera" cameras. And, with new cell phone cameras being able to offer much better quality these days (higher megapixels, better lenses, high capacity storage), it's a sure bet the low-end camera business is taking a financial hit.
Unfortunately, just because you have a camera though, it doesn't mean you are a pro photographer. Just like I can pick up my wife's dental instruments and hold them well enough, but I'm pretty sure you're not going to let me anywhere near your mouth.
Now photography isn't exactly rocket science (or dentistry), but it does require a little knowledge, skill and experience if you want to get some good shots.
Here are a few simple tips you might want to use to help you get more from your cell phone camera.
Set your camera's resolution to its highest settings.
Go into the options or settings menu and make sure it's at the highest resolution so you're getting the clearest pictures possible with the camera. But be aware that higher resolution means bigger file sizes, meaning less storage space and longer time emailing the pics.
Get close to your subject.
Unless you're stalking someone, there's no reason to stand so far away from whatever you're taking a picture of. Lions, bears and burning tankers of gasoline are the exceptions, of course.
But, try fill up your view finder with your subject to save having to zoom in on the subject when editing it later, which just decreases quality even more anyway.
Light up your subject.
Low light equals a bad, dark, grainy and pixilated photo. So unless your cell camera comes with a built-in flash, try to take pictures in bright light. Turn on more lights inside for the indoor pics, and outside, move around to let the sunlight beam on your subject.
Stay still.
Cell phone cameras aren't that great with movement - whether it's your shaky hands or your toddler that won't sit still. Unless you like that blurry look, steady your hands and wait until well after you hear the "click" to move.
Don't ask me what to do about the hyperactive toddler though, I've got one of my own so I'm taking suggestions as Grandma and Grandpa are starting to think we just have a naturally blurry child.
Try to experiment with different angles and backgrounds, take lots of pictures and above all - just have fun.
Remember, it's just taking pictures - not pulling teeth. However, if you do need a tooth pulled, I'd be happy to grab my wife's tools. Just call me. No charge!
