5 Tips to Take Amazing Nature Photos with Your Smartphone.

Click to watch the KUSI segment

Ready to make your Facebook friends ask what camera you are using to take those epic nature photos?

While trekking through the jungle or searching for turtles in a stream, bulky equipment and expensive gear can be a nightmare to work with.  While traveling the world, my smartphone has become my ‘go-to’ for IG and FB worthy pics.

Here are 5 things you can do to step up your Smartphone Nature Photography game: 

1. Clean your lens.

It sounds simple, but cleaning that lens is the most important task. Can't get a good pic when your greasy finger oils are smudging up the image. 

2. Use your camera grid and 'leading lines.'

The “rule of thirds” helps to balance out the composition of the photo and the idea is that an off-center composition looks more natural and creates a more “interesting” photo. To turn on your phone’s grid setting. For iPhones, go to Settings – Camera – and then flip the switch to turn the Grid on. Leading lines are great to give depth and draw the eye into the image.

Leading Lines draws the eyes into the photo.

3. Use natural lighting and shoot away from the sun.

This is especially true for smartphones. Shooting into the light often results in photos coming out overexposed or too dark. To adjust focus and exposure, tap your screen and slide your finger up to increase exposure, down to darken. You can also hold your finger down to “lock” the settings. Bonus: The 'Golden Hour' is one hour after sunrise and one before sunset. Not only is this a great time to spot wildlife, but also for the perfect golden glow.  The sun is harshest around noon. 

4. Embrace negative space and add a pop of color.

Busy isn't always best.  Really allow your subject to 'pop' by keeping the background clean and simple.  It’s fun to go black and white with just pop of color.  Color Pop is a free app to help bring just a touch of color to your elegant images. 

5. Change your perspective. 

Kids are great teachers in this area, they are always looking at things from unique perspectives.  Don't just shoot everything at eye-level.   Crouch. Lay. Tip Toe. Take a pic from all different angles. 

Crouch low to meet the perspective of your subject.