I don't have kids, but I have pets, siblings, and friends who I promise have the same attention span of your toddler ;)
Part 1: Phone Camera Basics
Part 1 is just about the essential things to know when you take a photo with your phone! Head to Part 2 if you've already earned your merit badge in iPhoneography ;)
1. Use the native camera app. Don’t pull up the camera in instagram, snapchat, or whatever other app you have. Use the one that comes with your phone.
2. Learn what your phone can do. I do not have the latest and greatest iPhone but I know what my phone can and can’t do and that’s the most valuable tool. Things to know- how to turn the HDR on and off (and what that is), how to use Portrait Mode (if you have it, which I don't!), and how to use the self-timer.
3. Turn off your flash. The flash is likely not going to be helpful almost ever. Turn the flash to “Off” before you even take a photo. If you feel like it needs more light, grab someone else’s phone and use their flashlight like a spotlight from a slight side angle, turn on a lamp, get closer to a window. If nothing else works THEN you can use the flash.
4. Tap your screen for more light. Is the photo a little dark? Tap on the subject, this will open up a focus box and you can use the little “sun” slider to add or decrease the brightness.
5. Hold still (and don’t use the volume buttons to take the photo). This is always important for good photography. Keep your camera/phone close to your body so it doesn’t shake. I often hold my camera in both hands when I’m taking an iPhone photo because the jitter is strong. My right hand holds the phone like I normally do and my left is supporting underneath the phone. It looks a little silly but I don’t have focus problems! The volume button as a shutter just makes it shake more so avoid that.
6. Focus on the eyes (or other subject point). Use the tap-screen method to focus on the subject’s eyes (or hands or feet or back of their head, etc. if their face isn’t in the photo)
