How to Take Sharp Photos on Your Phone: 15 Tips for Better Shots

Have you ever snapped what you thought was the perfect shot, only to zoom in later and realize it’s blurry or missing that wow factor?

Sharp, high-quality photos make all the difference when documenting an epic sunset, shooting content for social media, or even taking a group selfie. But you don’t need expensive gear or hours of photography lessons to take good photos with your smartphone. 

With just the phone in your pocket, you can easily take great, high-quality photos. These 15 practical tips can help you get the most out of your smartphone’s camera. 

The Snapshot (TLDR)

• Use manual settings to take control of your shots.
• Stabilize your phone with a Pocket Tripod for crystal-clear images.
• Embrace natural light, creative angles, and editing tools to make your photos shine.

#1 - Pick the Right Camera Settings for the Shot 

Ever tried capturing an incredible nightscape, only to end up with a blurry mess or overly dark photo? This happens because your phone’s auto settings aren’t optimized for tricky conditions. By switching to pro mode, you can manually control ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.

• Use a low ISO (100–200) in bright conditions for sharper images. In dim light, raise it (400–800) to brighten your shot—but don’t go too high, or you’ll get grainy results.
• Use faster shutter speeds (1/500 or higher) to freeze motion, like capturing someone jumping. For nighttime or motion blur effects, slower speeds (1/10 or lower) work best - but you’ll need your phone to be stable.
• Adjust your phone’s white balance to match the light source. For example, a tungsten setting can counteract the yellow tones of indoor lights.

#2 - Balance Your Shot with Gridlines

Does your photo ever feel “off,” like something’s missing? This is often because it’s not balanced. Activating gridlines in your camera settings introduces the rule of thirds - a tried-and-true composition rule that divides your screen into nine equal parts.

You’ll want to place key elements (like a horizon or your subject’s eyes) along the gridlines or at their intersections to create balance. Centering might be tempting but it doesn’t always feel dynamic. Experiment with offset placement for a more artistic look.

#3 - Make Sure Your Phone is Stable

Blurry photos often happen because of tiny hand movements while pressing the shutter button. To get sharp, clear shots, you need stability.

During a windy beach trip, I used my Pocket Tripod to photograph the waves under a setting sun. Without it, the subtle motion in my hands would have ruined the crisp details of the foamy waves.

#4 - Avoid Using Digital Zoom 

Digital zoom might seem convenient, but it compromises image quality by cropping and stretching your shot. The result? Blurry, pixelated images. Instead of zooming, physically move closer to your subject. Alternatively, take the photo as-is and crop it later during editing.

#5 - Don’t Forget about HDR 

High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode can work wonders for scenes with uneven lighting - like sunsets, where the sky is bright, but the ground is dark. HDR combines multiple exposures into one image, balancing the highlights and shadows. Use it for landscapes, architecture, or any high-contrast shots.

#6 - Only Focus on One Subject 

Ever taken a photo where nothing really stands out? This happens when your image lacks a clear focal point. Tap the screen to focus on your subject. Your phone will adjust exposure and sharpness automatically. Use portrait mode (if available) to blur the background, creating depth and drawing attention to your subject.

#7 - Take Multiple Photos 

Sometimes the perfect shot isn’t the first one (in fact, probably most of the time). By taking multiple photos, you give yourself options to pick from later. Use burst mode to capture fast-moving subjects. You can also change your angles, lighting, or framing slightly for added variety.

#8 - Use Natural Lighting (Where Possible) 

Harsh, artificial light often creates unflattering shadows and dull colours. Natural light, on the other hand, enhances tones and textures. Avoid overhead sunlight (noon) that casts harsh shadows. Golden hour - just after sunrise or before sunset - offers soft, warm lighting that flatters any subject, which makes for the ideal photo conditions.

#9 - Experiment with Exposure 

Exposure affects how light or dark your image appears, and sometimes auto-exposure just doesn’t cut it. After tapping to focus, adjust the exposure slider (often a sun icon) to brighten or darken your shot. Lower exposure for moody scenes or higher exposure for bright, vivid shots.

#10 - Make Use of Different Perspectives and Angles 

Photos can feel flat when taken from eye level every time. Shake things up by playing with perspective. Opt to shoot from a low angle to make your subject look larger or more dramatic. You can also capture reflections by angling your camera toward water or mirrors. For another option, shoot from above for flat-lay compositions, like food or objects.

#11 - Clean Your Phone’s Lens 

It seems like a no-brainer, but how often do you actually do it? Smudged lenses are the sneaky culprits behind blurry, dull photos. Even if you’ve nailed the lighting, composition, and settings, a single fingerprint or speck of dust can sabotage your shot. 

I once took what I thought was a perfect sunset photo, only to find it hazy and lifeless. A quick lens wipe revealed the culprit - a sunscreen smudge. After retaking the shot, the colours popped, and the sharpness was back. It’s a small step, but trust me, it’s worth it! Make it a habit to give your lens a quick wipe before taking a photo. It takes just a second but makes a world of difference.

#12 - Don’t Use Mobile Flash in Low Light Situations 

Instead of using your phone’s flash (which often creates harsh shadows and unnatural colours), use ambient light sources like streetlights, candles, or even a friend’s phone flashlight. For a softer glow, you can diffuse the light with a piece of tissue paper or bounce it off a nearby wall.

#13 - Use Your Phone’s Self-Timer 

The simple act of tapping the shutter button can cause tiny movements, blurring your shot. Set a 3 or 10-second timer to avoid camera shake. You can combine this with your Pocket Tripod for hands-free shots that come out stable and frame-worthy each time.

#14 - Editing Tools Are Your Friends 

Even great photos can benefit from a little polishing. A few tweaks could make your photos go from good to magical.

Use Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile to adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness, and colours. You still want to be subtle, so make sure you’re editing to improve, not overtake, the natural beauty of your shot. Just start playing around with the settings to start learning about what looks good!

#15 - Practice Makes Perfect

Photography is an art, and like any skill, it improves with practice. The more you shoot, the better you’ll get. Challenge yourself to experiment with new techniques every day. Review your shots to see what worked and what didn’t, so you know what habits to keep and which to toss the next time you open up your phone’s camera and start shooting away. 

With these simple, actionable tips, you’re just a few steps away from taking sharper, more professional-looking photos with your phone. Go on, capture the world - and don’t forget to tag us in your Pocket Tripod shots. Happy shooting!