Today’s generation is lucky to have access to various technologies that allow them to easily learn various skills. A little over a decade ago, photography was still an expensive hobby, requiring one to invest more time (to enroll in classes) and money (for professional equipment). Now, anyone can easily access online tutorials and use a smartphone camera to learn how to shoot photos and videos at a near-professional level.
Had better camera phones been available in 2007 when he was learning to shoot pictures, professional photographer Magic Liwanag believes that it would have been a big advantage as it would’ve allowed him to experiment. “Most smartphones nowadays have similar features as professional cameras. I think it’ll be very convenient for newbies to start learning how to handle taking photos and videos with their phones. Whatever specs your smartphone has, it’s nice to start experimenting with it.”
Magic shares that smartphone cameras allow newbies to conveniently and inexpensively learn and experiment on how to take photos and videos. Here are some tips from the expert on how to take better photos using your smartphone.
Balance the use of Auto Functions and Manual Capabilities
Many of us may be dependent on the auto functions of our smartphone cameras. But for us to take better photos, we should stop relying solely on autofocus. “Press on what you want focused, don’t depend on the autofocus all the time.”
Don’t Make Filters and Editing a Priority
While most smartphones have photo filters and editing capabilities, Magic encourages serious smartphone photographers not to think about filters or editing when taking photos in order to train the creative eye. “Make sure you capture your story as it is. That way you can train your creative eye,” he explains.
Learn and Apply the Basic Principles of Light and Composition
Magic reminds all budding photographers that taking photos isn’t always point and shoot. One must be able to capture at a decent exposure (light level) and composition. When it comes to light, he shares that it is better to shoot at underexposed or less bright subjects than overexposed or washed out as photos can be saved through editing.
Invest in a Smartphone with Good Camera Functions
But not all smartphone cameras are the same. So we also asked Magic what we should look for in a camera phone. “The camera should have good color levels -- not too HDR-y. Minimum to zero color aberration. The lens should have the ability for minimum focus distance (macro). Sharp outputs even during night captures. Zoom capabilities,” he shares.
Magic Liwanag’s smartphone is an OPPO Reno 6 5G. He says that in expert mode, one will be able to explore and play around the manual capabilities of the smartphone like adjusting the overall tone and saturation levels of the photos, especially for those with access to different lighting setups.
Reno6 5G in Stellar Black
Acknowledging that there are budding smartphone photographers who may not be confident yet in trying to go “expert”, Magic recommends utilizing the AI-based camera features of OPPO smartphones such as AI Scene Enhancement, AI Palette and Bokeh Flare Feature to name a few.
Unrelenting Commitment to Innovate
“While DSLRs undoubtedly still deliver better visual content, OPPO smartphones make for an excellent alternative as our smartphones are much cheaper, handy and still offer the perfect experience to harness your photography skills or create great social media content,” explains Yang Li, OPPO’s Imaging Product Manager.
The inclusion of AI capabilities in OPPO’s smartphone cameras is part of the company’s commitment to innovate cutting-edge and humanistic technologies. “We are able to offer a unique smartphone experience to our users by allowing them to bring out and showcase their best and most authentic selves through our technologies,” explains Li.
like the OPPO Reno6 Z
OPPO has made professional-quality equipment available in your pocket. The company has integrated multiple camera technologies for smartphones that used to be found only in DSLRs. Among these functions are AI Scene Enhancement, AI Bokeh Flare Feature, and Ultra Steady Video that allow for more stunning and engaging visual content. “Through our smartphone cameras, we’re able to empower consumers to become professional photographers and content creators of their own right by enabling them to push their creative boundaries all through a smartphone device,” says Li.
We can expect more smartphones integrated with professional camera functionalities from OPPO as it continues to invest in various R&D activities. “OPPO believes that we have an opportunity to deliver high quality visuals close to what DSLRs produce by integrating the right technology. We continue to look at the newest technologies in the market, study them, and find ways so we can further improve not only our smartphone cameras but also how our smartphones integrate into our other non-smartphone devices for a more seamless and satisfying experience of the OPPO ecosystem.”