Blog 7: Smartphone Photography – Camera Features Every Smartphone Photographer Should Use (Part 2)

This week we’re continuing with more practical tips for improving your smartphone photography. These aren’t hidden settings, but simple techniques that, when used well, can dramatically enhance your photos.

Portrait Mode

Many people use their phones to capture portraits of friends, family, or themselves, but often rely only on the standard camera function. Modern smartphones include a dedicated Portrait Mode designed specifically for people photography.

The main advantage of Portrait Mode is the effect it creates: a shallow depth of field that keeps your subject sharp while blurring the background. To get the best results, keep these points in mind:

• Choose a simple background. Busy or colorful backgrounds can distract from your subject.

• Create separation. Ask your subject to step away from the background, a few meters is usually enough. If they’re leaning against a wall, the blur effect won’t work well.

• Mind your distance. You’ll usually need to stand farther back than in regular photo mode. Your phone will prompt you if you’re too close.

• Consider lighting. Make sure your subject’s face is lit from the front. Avoid having a strong light source directly behind them, as this will cast their face in shadow.

Most phones also offer additional portrait lighting options. For example, iPhones include:

• Natural Light – A clean, true-to-life background blur.

• Studio Light – Brightens facial features.

• Contour Light – Adds dramatic, directional shadows.

• Stage Light – Isolates your subject in a spotlight.

• Stage Light Mono – A black-and-white spotlight effect.

• High-Key Light Mono – A grayscale subject against a white background.

In reality, you’ll likely only use the first three, but experimenting with all the options can be a fun way to see what works best.

Capturing Reflections the Easy Way

Adding reflections to your photos is a simple yet striking technique, and it doesn’t require any special equipment.

The next time you’re out after a rainfall, look for puddles, or find any smooth, still body of water. Position a small object in the water to clear the surface, then turn your phone upside down and rest your phone on the object, so the camera lenses sit just above the waterline. This creates a stronger, more vivid reflection.

Obviously if your water source is deep, then use a phone strap, as dropping your phone in even a shallow puddle can be disastrous.

Reflections work best when you have a subject to capture, whether it’s a building, a tree, or a friend. For a creative twist, try adding ripples to the water and capture the distorted reflections.

Creative Uses for Pano Mode

Panorama Mode is typically used for sweeping landscapes, but it can also be used in creative ways. Instead of panning horizontally, try turning your phone horizontally - 90 degrees and panning vertically. This is especially effective for capturing tall buildings or structures.

Start from the sky and move downward toward the ground. This helps balance the exposure, so the sky doesn’t appear washed out. You want to be twisting the phone around a central axis, like a seesaw to get the desired pano shot. While this method can stretch or distort the building, stepping back a bit can help keep the subject more realistic.

Pano Mode isn’t just for outdoor architecture either. Indoors, it’s a fantastic tool for capturing dramatic ceilings, think cathedrals, train stations, or ornate Mediterranean churches. Position yourself in the center of the building (or as close as possible), sit or even lie down if you can, and slowly pan front to back or vice versa. Just avoid attempting this while standing, as you’ll likely end up leaning too far back and risking an embarrassing tumble, or just capture your face!

Smartphone cameras are more powerful than most people realise. By exploring features like Portrait Mode, reflections, and creative pano shots, you can elevate your everyday photography and capture images that truly stand out. So get out there an give the above three a go, and help level up your smartphone photography.