Great photography isn’t locked behind expensive lenses or years studying the compositions of Henri Cartier-Bresson or Fan Ho – it’s as simple as knowing a few tricks and making the most of whatever camera you’ve got in your hand. Whether that’s the latest iPhone, a pocket-sized point-and-shoot, or something in between, the fundamentals of taking a better shot don’t change.
To uncover the best ways to sharpen your eye and step up your shots – be they travel snaps or your next miscellaneous IG dump – I tapped some of my favourite photographers for their go-to advice. From a fashion pro to an influencer-turned-TV host, their insights will help you bridge the gap between being a casual snapper and someone who can impress with every frame.
With that being said, class is now in session.
LIE (Lighting Is Everything)
For architect and designer Theo Blankley, lighting is the first thing he thinks about when shooting.
“Light and shadow create depth and drama in a photo,” he says. “A flat image is just less interesting, so I always try to find spatial differentiation in the light.”
This doesn’t require high-end equipment. Even the most basic phone cameras can adjust their exposure (how much light hits the camera’s sensor), and making use of natural light can dramatically improve your photos. When possible, shoot in the early morning or late afternoon – often referred to as the “golden hour” – to take advantage of warmer, softer, and more flattering light.
“Golden hour gives you that soft light, which helps describe the texture of an object. I often use backlighting to create a more cinematic look to my shot, and also so the shot doesn’t look flat,” explains Jason Lau, a professional commercial fashion photographer.
In other words, if you’re shooting indoors, try to position your subject near windows to make use of natural light, but be mindful of harsh sun (which can lead to overexposed highlights).
Pro Tip: If shooting outdoors, avoid direct sunlight unless you’re looking to capture stark contrasts or silhouettes. Overcast days, where the light is diffused, are often the best for balanced photos.
Composition Is Key
No matter what gear you’re rocking, composition can be what separates an average photo from a great one. The rule of thirds is a timeless principle that can instantly elevate your images (and, when applied correctly, help you dress “taller”).
“Placing the subject in a third of the frame, with the surrounding elements framed around it, works especially well for landscapes and architecture shots,” says Blankley.
Lau takes this further when shooting lifestyle or adventure content, advising: “A mistake a lot of people make is that they pose people up against walls. I get people into empty space, so that the background can drop out of focus a little and the main subject pops out better.”
Though it’s not just about positioning, at least not according to professional watch photographer Tim Vaux: “When it comes to framing and composition, I think it’s best to keep shots super simple. [I try to] keep things as natural and authentic as possible.”
Pro Tip: Guide the viewer’s eye toward the subject with leading lines, such as roads, buildings, or even a row of chairs. If you’re photographing people, leave space around them to highlight them as the subject.
Focus On The Details
When shooting (especially with phones), it’s easy to default to the big picture. But sometimes, zooming in on small details can make for the most striking images. Matt Suleau, an influencer and Fox Sports presenter, stresses the value of unique perspectives.
“I try and look for something different,” says Suleau. “Instead of just standing in front of a car to take a photo, shoot it from inside a café, looking out. It adds a more interesting point of view.”
This philosophy applies to all types of photography. When taking pictures of watches, Vaux suggests focusing on textures or small details.
“How a watch interacts with a shirt cuff or how light reflects can make a really interesting image,” he adds.
It’s a sentiment echoed by Blankley, who explains: “Anyone can kind of take a nice photo of a building these days, because phones are so sophisticated, so I think it’s about trying to capture something unusual. When I’m looking at something I want to shoot, I’m looking for the confluence of the materials, the light, and the shadows.”
Pro Tip: Get up close and personal with your subject. Whether it’s a food shot or a watch, capturing intricate details like patterns, textures, and reflections can add a world of depth.
Experiment With Editing
Editing has become an integral part of the modern photography process, especially for those using phones or point-and-shoot cameras. Both Jason Lau and Tim Vaux agree that post-production can bring an image to life. The former suggests using apps like Lightroom and Snapseed for subtle adjustments.
“If I shoot with my phone, I don’t need to fix much, but tools like Lightroom can help enhance the image,” he says.
Suleau also loves Lightroom because he can enforce a consistent tone across all of his photos.
“If you want to have a consistent-looking feed, you can very easily go to Lightroom, pick a photo that you love and tinker with the settings until you’re happy with it. You can then copy the settings from that photo and drop them onto any other photo and make any more edits from there.”
For beginners, the goal isn’t to over-process, but rather to make slight adjustments that emphasise what you already captured. As per Vaux, “editing is where the image comes to life. It’s about bringing out the details and balancing the exposure. A bit of contrast can help a photo pop.”
Pro Tip: If you’re shooting on an iPhone, try adjusting the contrast, exposure, and shadows using the built-in editing tools. Even a slight touch can elevate a photo, especially if you’re shooting in natural light.
Be Intentional
It’s easy to get caught up in the act of snapping a photo just for the sake of it. But what separates the good photographers from the great is taking a more thoughtful approach.
“I just try to find a point of difference,” Suleau offers. “If I’m at an event, I might take a wide shot to establish a scene, but then I’ll find little details throughout the night – it could be a watch, or a champagne in someone’s hand – anything that’s a point of difference to what everyone else is shooting.”
Theo Blankley agrees about the importance of thoughtful framing: “I try to think of the photo as a visual story. Each shot should suggest it’s part of a bigger narrative, not just a random snapshot.”
Pro Tip: Before pressing the shutter, ask yourself what the story is behind this subject, and why did it grab my attention? This can help turn an ordinary shot into something more meaningful.
Shoot As Much As You Can
“The more you shoot, the more you start finding your own style. It’s about discovering what excites you,” notes Lau.
This applies to gear as well. While iPhones are incredibly powerful, many photographers like Matt Suleau have moved on to cameras that feel right in their hands: “The key is to shoot with something you’re comfortable with. Once you’re at ease with your gear, you’ll start shooting more instinctively.”
“Everyone always says the best camera is the one you’ve got on you, which is true. But I think what’s more important is you feel inspired to use the gear you have,” elaborates Vaux.
Regardless of whether that’s an iPhone or the most affordable bit of second-hand kit at your local opshop, if you don’t have fun when you’re taking photos, you probably won’t take any.
Pro Tip: Try experimenting with different shooting angles, subjects, lighting setups, or even new editing techniques. Don’t worry if it doesn’t work out, because a lot of the time, it won’t. You’ll either nail it or learn.
“Photography isn’t just about the gear. It’s about the vision behind the lens.”
Tim Vaux
In the age of digital, it costs nothing to attempt and potentially fail. So go out there and capture the world as you see it.
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