YouTube’d some photography tips to level up my photos with the phone. Here is what I learned (with some of what I knew already)

1. Underexpose images. Blown out photos are harder to correct.

2. Simplicity is best - remove distractions from the frame and focus on the subject

3. Use negative space - example: more sky in photo as opposed to equal ground / sky

4. Don’t take all photos at eye level. Try different levels (example: bring camera closer to a long straight road)

5. Use rule of thirds (don’t just position everything in the center (align to grid intersections) you can enable this in camera settings

6. (This one is from me) think about where you’ll share the image. For example, Damus does edge to edge vertical well on mobile so if you are going to share on a mobile client - take vertical photos.

7. Zoom in with telephoto lens on patterns.

8. (From me) take many photos instead of just one. Better chance of finding the right moment.

9. Edit in Lightroom to play with shadows, white balance and highlights.

10. Don’t face at the light source (eg. selfie in front of a window - turn around to let the window light hit your face)

If you’re a photographer; let me know if I messed anything up or missed some of your favorite tips!