The world of smartphone photography

The world of smartphone photography is evolving at a breathtaking pace. Smartphone photography has become smarter than ever. Thanks to intelligent software, multiple lenses and above all the rise of AI, photos are not only getting better but also more accessible to everyone. Yet the real power lies not in the technology itself, but in how you use it. In our workshops, we notice that participants often return to the same fundamental questions: how do you truly get the most out of your smartphone camera? With the right choices, you not only take more beautiful photos but also work more efficiently and deliberately.

A few frequently asked questions about smartphone photography!

1. Can anyone learn to take great photos?

Yes. It starts with learning to see. Technique supports you, but conscious observation makes the difference.

2. What are the best default settings to turn on?

• Grid for composition
• HDR set to automatic
• Lens correction on (if available)

• AI optimisation:

  This means your smartphone automatically recognises scenes (food, portrait, sunset) and adjusts colour, contrast and sharpness accordingly.

  Use this subtly — it can help, but sometimes makes photos look unnaturally "too perfect".

3. What quality setting should I use for smartphone photos?

This depends on your purpose:

• Social media / everyday use → standard or medium quality is fine (saves storage)
• Professional use / print / campaigns → highest quality
• ProRAW / RAW → only use when editing in programmes such as Adobe Lightroom

Otherwise RAW adds little value and mainly takes up a lot of storage space.

4. How many lenses do I need and when do I use them?

• Wide-angle: standard everyday situations
• Ultra-wide: interiors, landscapes
• Telephoto: portraits and distance

Don't use more lenses than necessary — choose your perspective deliberately.

5. Which smartphone takes the best photos technically speaking?

At the moment, the following models lead the field:

• iPhone 17 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
• Google Pixel 9 Pro

But: the best camera is the one you understand and use well.

6. How do I take sharp photos?

• Use both hands
• Tap to focus
• Work in sufficient light
• Stay still at the moment you press the shutter

7. How do I adjust the light?

After tapping to focus, you can:

• Use the slider on your screen to adjust the exposure
• Or set the exposure manually via the (often hidden) menu

Slightly underexposing often creates more atmosphere and detail.

8. How do I take evening and night photos?

• Use night mode
• Keep your phone still (or use a tripod)
• Work without zoom
• Use light sources deliberately in your composition

9. What is the Live button and when should I use it?

The Live feature captures a brief moment just before and after your photo is taken.

Ideal for:

• Flowing water (freeze it afterwards or create a long-exposure effect)
• Group photos (always a frame where everyone looks good)
• Fast-moving situations

10. What is the Burst button and how do I use it?

By holding down the shutter button, you capture a rapid series of photos in quick succession. Perfect for action, children or spontaneous moments.

11. How do I take the best landscape photos?

• Use the ultra-wide lens
• Add a foreground element for depth
• Keep the horizon level
• Shoot during the golden hour

12. How do I take the best portrait photos?

• Use portrait mode or telephoto lens
• Pay attention to soft light (avoid harsh direct sunlight)
• Focus on the eyes
• Keep the background clean and uncluttered

13. What are the essential composition tips?

• Rule of thirds (grid)
• Work with leading lines and depth
• Choose one clear subject
• Less is more

14. What are useful accessories?

• Small tripod
• Powerbank
• Microfibre cloth
• Optional extra lens (but not essential)

15. What should you avoid in smartphone photography?

• Zooming in unnecessarily (causes quality loss)
• Shooting everything on autopilot
• Blindly trusting AI
• Photographing with a dirty lens

The core principle remains: technology helps, but you decide. The moment you make deliberate choices — in settings, light and composition — you move from simply "taking a photo" to truly "creating an image".