- Wait for the right moment
- Always photograph at the highest quality (“Selfie” mode is usually the lowest quality option)
- Shoot in the brightest conditions possible
- Think about light, shadow and shapes in the image
- Focus on objects closer to the camera and allow the background to blur
- Lower angles make people/animals look statuesque and grand
- When shooting panoramic shots, do this in portrait angle using the “pano” function, start from the lightest
- point to the darkest [TAS tip: turn the phone upside down if it does not allow you to change direction]
- Avoid “pinching” (zoom), as the quality is usually not that great [TAS tip: rather crop the image afterwards]
- Mobile devices now support lens attachments, which enhance photos. When purchasing attachments, check for best quality. Glass is preferred
- Always try to show a unique view
TAS tip: Be present in the moment; don’t miss the action because you’re obsessing about the shot
PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY IN DETAIL
Shoot when the light is right
- The best, pics are taken in the “golden hours” just after dawn and just before dusk
- Overcast days provide soft, even lighting.
- Just after a light rain is the best time to shoot dynamic landscapes
- Use flash as a last resort, except if you’re shooting into the sun with your subject in the foreground, try using flash to illuminate your subject and prevent silhouetting
Tell the whole story
- Every place and every trip are unique
- Capture your personal safari story, including aspects like your room and view, the environment and all the exceptional little details
- Place yourself in the shot – your friends and followers like to see you
- Go beyond the animal mug shot, show wildlife in their habitat and surroundings
- Capture sunrises/ sunsets, landscapes, trees, insects, activities and guides
Apply the rule of thirds
- Imagine dividing your photo 3 lines across and 3 lines down [TAS tip: you can activate a grid on your smartphone to help you see it, if you like]
- Position key elements along the gridlines or at the intersections
- Place the horizon along the top or bottom third for a strong compositional mobile photo
- This is used to balance an image
- It creates space for the subject to look to or move into
Frame your main subject
- Use structural, environmental or architectural elements to bring focus to a subject
- Think of trees, the landscape, sky and other animals as potential frames
Other
- Go wide and shoot panoramas of big vistas
- Skew photos can be edited in apps, aim to get the horizon line straight
- Pick what to focus on by tapping it on the screen
- Use a tripod at night for sharp photos
TAS warning: phone photography can be very addictive when you get it right!