Unlock the Power of Your SMARTPHONE: Mastering Grid Lines for Perfect Photos

The modern smartphone is a multi-tool of cultural expressions and gateway drug to seeing the world in high resolution. These days, it can take pictures that rival those taken with a ‘real’ camera. Within the past few years phone cameras – from Google, Samsung, Apple, and so on – have gone through technological evolutions and revolutions. It has long been clear that a smartphone is less for texting or calling, and more a device of cameras that captures the breath of the world – right in your palm.

The Secret Ingredient to Stellar PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY

Before you start learning involved photo terminology (aperture and autofocus? I don’t even know what that means), we have to figure out where we’re going, what we’re looking at – the raw basics of what makes a good photograph. The first thing you need to know is how the rule of thirds works, a basic photography rule that you’re going to hear over and over and over again. And how to turn on the grid on your phone camera, because everyone should know how to turn on the grid.

Why Grid Lines Matter

Grid lines help keep the image balanced – by dividing the screen into thirds (both horizontally and vertically), the lines help position the main subject on one of three ‘good’ points. A focal point placed at intersection points has a similar effect to being placed at the centre of the frame but it also spreads the visual interest around the photograph so that it doesn’t seem overcrowded or unbalanced. Grid lines can help you create a ‘symmetry’ look to your photographs by placing the main points or focal points on either side of the middle third, or they can help subtly ‘squint’ your photographs to make them seem more dynamic and interesting, particularly if you want to incline your camera at an angle.

Elevate Your PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY Game

Whatever phone you have, whatever shooting mode you like, whether you’re shooting plain JPEGs or raw files, and however obscured your viewfinder already is by on-screen monitors, overlaying grid lines won’t degrade your final image. Panoramic landscapes, macro flowers and three-person group portraits all benefit from having your grids handy.

Easy Steps to Enable Grid Lines on Your PHONE

No matter your team Samsung, Google Pixel or OnePlus, all it takes is a swipe to turn grid lines on in the camera To help you get started, here’s how to turn on grid lines in (almost) any camera:

For Samsung Enthusiasts:

1. Open the Camera app and navigate to Settings.
2. Scroll down to General and toggle on Grid lines.

Pixel Perfect:

1. Launch the Camera app and access Settings.
2. Under Composition, tap on Grid type and choose your preferred grid.

OnePlus Users Rejoice:

1. Access the Camera app, then head to More > Settings.
2. Click on Grid and guides, then select Grid.

In fact, this effective but crude tool is usable not only with your phone’s camera app, but with photo editing software (like Lightroom) that offers grid lines to help you finesse your images after the fact.

Showcase Your Artistry Online

Once you start to perfect your camera war with the grid, you’ll want to start showing off your shots. Depending on where you’re posting online, you’ll have to make sure your images are the right size and aspect ratio to look their best.

Understanding the Might of Your PHONE'S CAMERA

The slim rectangle in your pocket is a photographic powerhouse. Sensitive and pixelated sensors, complex algorithms and clever software combine to give you access to the imaginative frontier with just a touch. In the modern age, owning a professional camera is no longer a precondition to taking good photos. With the help of grid lines, your smartphone is your canvas.

Besides tweaking the images in post-processing, you can also boost your phone photography by learning to use these tools and techniques. With a little practice, you’ll soon be taking better shots with your smartphone than you ever did with your heavy DSLR camera – and in much less time. First, use the grid to balance your compositions. Your smartphone can supercharge your photography.