‘Phontography’ tips and tricks
More and more people opt for a mobile handset that offers excellent imaging capabilities in addition to advanced connectivity and mobility. As a result “phontography” — photography with mobile phones — is more popular then ever.
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), the largest European photo and imaging press association, recognizes this new phenomenon as a new generation of phontography enthusiasts today now use their mobile phones to capture moving and still images.
TIPA recently awarded the Nokia N82 as the Best Mobile Imaging Device in
“The Nokia N82 is a compact multimedia computer that integrates GPS, Web, video and music functions around a five-megapixel camera with a high-speed, f/2.8 autofocus lens,” the TIPA jurors said.
“This Carl Zeiss Tessar focuses from 10cm to infinity and produces sharp prints up to and beyond A4 size. Several scene modes are also available to optimize the Nokia N82 for great images, whether shooting portraits or night shots,” it added.
Other Nokia N82 features highlighted by the jurors are the Xenon flash and 20X digital zoom.
Below are TIPA’s few suggestions on how to take better pictures using a mobile phone:
• The most important thing about phontography is to have fun and be yourself.
• Find the shortcut to the camera function, so you can easily get trigger-happy.
• Don’t miss the moment — taking phontographs is free, so snap away.
• Don’t just sit there. Move around your subject and take advantage of different light and angles.
• Use the props around you — tables, chairs, flowers.
• Go in close, always closer than you think. For example, if you’re taking a head shot, you should be no more than an arm-length away.
• Don’t be a skyscraper to children — kneel down or crouch so you’re on their level.
• Only get fussy about composition if you’ve got the time. It’s fair enough to take photos that are missing arms and legs.
• Things that are no longer considered “wrong” — a bit of blur, a spot of red eye, an odd angle to the shot.
• You don’t always have to use the viewfinder — hold the camera in front of you or above your head to take the shot.
• Explore the camera’s functions like the macro lens for close-ups or different effects like sepia tones or black and white.
• Remember that small is beautiful. You can carry your handset with you all the time so your camera’s handy when you need it.
• Don’t worry about editing when you’re out and about. Sift through your photos later on.
• Use your imagination — there’s no film to waste and practice makes better photos.
• Taking pictures doesn’t cost anything. Always take several images and sort through them later.
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