- Choose the right time of day
The time of day can make a big difference in the look and feel of your photos. The golden hour, which is the hour just after sunrise and just before sunset, is a great time to take photos because the lighting is soft and warm. The blue hour, which is the hour just after sunset and just before sunrise, is also a good time to take photos because the sky takes on a deep blue color.
- Find the right angle
Experiment with different angles to find the one that best captures the scene you want to photograph. Try shooting from a low angle to make the sky look larger, or from a high angle to give a sense of grandeur to the landscape. You can also try shooting from the side or from behind an object to add interest to your photo.
- Use the rule of thirds
The rule of thirds is a photography composition technique that involves dividing your photo into nine equal parts using two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. The idea is to place the subject of your photo along one of these lines or at the intersection of two of them. This helps to create a balanced and visually appealing photo.
- Use leading lines
Leading lines are elements in your photo that draw the viewer's eye towards the subject. These can be natural lines, such as a path or a river, or man-made lines, such as a fence or a row of trees. Using leading lines in your photos can help to add depth and lead the viewer's eye through the image.
- Pay attention to the background
The background of your photo can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of the image. Make sure to pay attention to what is happening in the background and try to keep it uncluttered. If there are distracting elements in the background, you can try moving to a different angle or using a shallow depth of field to blur them out.
- Edit your photos
Editing your photos can help to bring out the best in them and give them a professional look. There are many smartphone apps that offer basic editing features, such as adjusting the exposure, contrast, and color. Experiment with different edits to see what works best for your photo. Just be sure not to over-edit, as this can make your photo look unrealistic.
- Experiment with different camera modes
Most smartphones come with a variety of camera modes that allow you to adjust the settings to suit the scene you are photographing. For example, the "landscape" mode is designed for capturing wide, expansive views and will typically use a smaller aperture to get more of the scene in focus. The "portrait" mode is designed for taking photos of people and will use a larger aperture to blur the background and make the subject stand out. Experiment with different modes to see how they affect your photos.
- Use a tripod
A tripod can be a useful tool for taking photos of natural scenery, especially if you want to capture long exposures or take photos in low light. A tripod will help to keep your camera steady and ensure that your photos are sharp. If you don't have a tripod, you can try using a beanbag or a stack of books to prop your phone up and keep it steady.
- Use the grid feature
Most smartphones come with a grid feature that divides the viewfinder into a grid of nine squares. This can be helpful for aligning your shots and using the rule of thirds, as mentioned earlier. To turn on the grid feature, go to your phone's camera settings and look for the option to enable the grid.
- Experiment with different apps and filters
There are many smartphone apps and filters that can help you to take beautiful natural scenery photos. For example, you can use an app like Snapseed to adjust the exposure and color of your photos, or use a filter like "willow" in VSCO to give your photos a dreamy, ethereal look. Experiment with different apps and filters to see what works best for your photos.
In conclusion, capturing beautiful natural scenery photos with a smartphone is all about finding the right angle, using the right techniques, and experimenting with different camera modes and editing tools. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to take stunning photos of landscapes, sunsets, and more, all with just your phone.