If you're off on your holidays soon - here are some easy tips to help you take really great photos on your phone

In a typical week, I use professional photography kit and multiple lenses for my client photo shoots.? However, when I'm on holiday, I enjoy the freedom of not having to lug my heavy camera bag around.? I simply use the camera on my iphone and a few handy techniques I've learnt over the years.

I thought I would share these tips so that you can improve your holiday photos too:

Tip 1 - I'll start with what I feel is the most important (and indeed easiest) tip of all.? It can be summed up in just 3 words - CLEAN YOUR LENS.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes your photos are a bit blurry? That'll be fingerprints/grime/grease which inevitably gets onto your phone lens while it's in your hand, in your pocket or at the bottom of your bag. By simply getting in the habit of wiping your phone lens before taking a photo will make a massive difference. (Remember to do the front one too if you're taking a selfie).

Tip 2 - Turn on Live Photos.? This is a great mode because your iPhone records what happens 1.5 seconds before and after you take a picture.? You can then choose the best one that you want from the selection.? You can turn this on (or off) using the target symbol which is top right of your phone screen.

Tip 3 - another simple tip to improve your photos is to always monitor your image brightness.? To do this, tap on the subject you’d like to light meter on, then use your finger to move the sun dial up (for brighter) or down (for darker) as needed before you press the button. (see photo below left)

Tip 4 - Composition is so important in photography and one of the first things you are taught is the Rule of Thirds. This is one of the simplest principles to learn and to implement. And for all those visual learners out there (like me!) it's very easy to understand.? All you have to do is imagine you have split your camera screen into a grid - just like a noughts and crosses board. Then, place the main subject(s) of your photo where the lines intersect. For example, in the photo below right, the tree is placed right of centre which is much more striking than if it was bang in the middle. Turn on your camera’s rule-of-thirds grid (Go to Settings > Camera, and toggle on Grid under Composition). The grid lines will also help you keep your phone level when taking landscapes.

Tip 5 - Use Portrait mode.? This will blur the background, creating that beautiful depth of field so often seen in professional photos. But always make sure that your subject is in focus first with a simple tap on the screen on the person/animal/subject in your photo, then press the shutter.

Tip 6 - Timing - make the most of the beautiful, soft, warm light during the Golden Hour. This is the last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise during which almost everyone and everything looks absolutely gorgeous. You can even download the Golden Hour app to get recommendations for best times to go out to take photos based on where in the world you are.?

Tip 7 - Always face the light. Take advantage of natural lighting and make sure your subject is always facing the light source (or make sure that you are facing the light when taking a selfie). If it's too bright, look for some top shade under trees or in a doorway.?

Tip 8 - Use a tripod or the phone self-timer function.? Are you never in family photos because you're always the one taking them? Then it's time to get a tripod for your phone. It doesn't have to break the bank (mine was less than ￡20 and doubles as a selfie stick).? They also often come with a Bluetooth remote control to make it even easier to take photos. However, if you don't want to pay for a tripod, your smartphone already has a built-in timer inside the camera app, so you can set it, then jump in and be part of the photo.

Tip 9 - Never Ever Zoom in normal photo mode

Even with the fantastic quality lenses that now come with your iPhone, if you zoom in, all you are doing is increasing the size of the image and decreasing the quality of the photo and you often then end up with grainy images. Either use your feet and move closer to your subject.? Or, take the photo, then crop it afterwards.?

And finally.......Tip 10 - let's get creative!? Lying down on the floor and shooting from a low angle can get you a really different viewpoint but apart from being back breaking, it's still hard to get really low because the camera lenses are at the top of the phone.? So instead, turn your phone upside down.? That way it will be right down at ground level. This is perfect for taking reflection photos using a puddle or at the edge of a pool, like this:

So - now there should be no stopping you on your holidays from getting cracking shots - but just remember - always CLEAN YOUR LENS first!!

Have fun!? Pennie

PS - as a side note, these tips are based on using an iPhone. However, there are usually similar features on Android phones too.