Your Smartphone Camera is a Powerful Artistic Tool. Explore the Possibilities on your Next Trip!

I have a 35mm SLR camera as well as a Fujifilm digital camera that I really like. But my packing technique has changed over time--I'm at the point where I try not to check any luggage at all--and the choices I am forced to make about what I have room to carry have led me to leave those cameras at home for my last few trips. 

I don't have the latest and greatest iPhone, but I have still managed to end up with some fantastic shots. I would like to share just a few of my favorite tips that I have picked up over the last few months, in the hopes that they might help you snap some great memories and scenery on your next adventure.

1. The Rule of Thirds (and a simple hack)

The rule of thirds is a composition guideline in which you divide your field into thirds, either horizontally or vertically. Some digital cameras and even some phones have a setting allowing you to visualize a guideline grid as you compose the shot (of course, the grid does not appear on the image itself after you snap it).

But an easy way to approximate the same result is to place your subject in the right or left third of your image field. Depending on the lead lines of your image, you may decide to break this rule and go for the dead center. Be creative!

2. Capture some verbing. (What is "verbing"!?)

We all have endless shots of ourselves (and others) posing and smiling in front of sites that pique our interest. And we all want shots like that as souvenirs of our experience. But the suggestion of an action--or the depiction of a literal action--can make your shot infinitely more interesting. Show the experience you're actually having. 

Your "action shot" doesn't need to be anything dramatic, although that can be a lot of fun. This so-called "verbing" can be something as simple as looking at a rack of post cards, walking down the street, or tasting a culinary delight. Try it the next time you're in a new (or favorite) destination!

3. Use "leading lines" to create interest.

Look at the scene before you. Are there natural or man-made lines that will lead the eye along the image you are creating? This could be architectural details, a railing, a stairwell or escalator, bridge, a walking path, a pattern--even a pattern or line created by the way people in the image are organically positioned.

Use these lines to create a more interesting visual presentation in your image or to direct the viewer's eye toward something in particular.

4. Take advantage of portrait mode if you have it.

Your point of focus will truly be that, with the background receding somewhat and appearing out of focus compared to your subject. This "depth effect" technique instantly glamorizes and amps up the dominance of the subject of your image.

This setting works best when your subject is not too far away--between two and six feet from the phone--and when your subject is not right up against the background (e.g. leaning on a wall).

5. Be a switch hitter: do it both ways!

Some people have a natural tendency to always shoot vertically or always shoot horizontally. Others will make a judgment call based on the view before them. But the best policy is to try and remember to take almost every shot both ways. Sometimes the less obvious route yields a more interesting result.

You never know what you might create by choosing the alternative orientation path, so cultivate the habit of capturing scenes in both horizontal and vertical orientations, keeping in mind some of the other composition tips above. You might be surprised at the results!

Show and tell

Take a look at the five images I've included here. My photo buddy and I tried to put all of these tips into practice on our recent trip to Europe. Can you spot the tips illustrated in each example?

If you're in our private Facebook group, we occasionally share photos from our trips. I'd love to see what you consider some of your best shots! (If you're not already a member, click here to join.

Happy snapping!

Only ten days left to save $1000*!!!

Did you enjoy these photography composition tips? Are you enticed by great art or a perfectly-composed painting?

For those who have been considering joining our art-filled, artist-accompanied trip to France next summer: remember that the AmaWaterways promotion ends next week! 

Staterooms booked by September 30th are discounted by $1000 per person*! 

Please reach out as soon as possible if you'd like to take advantage of this offer. 

*Based on double occupancy. Solo cabins are available at a special rate of the regular fare plus 25% (rather than 50%)

Please note that the reservations department will probably be completely overwhelmed the last week of September due to the expiration of these "Welcome Back" specials, and I want to be sure we get your booking in before the deadline!!

Learn More

Please join me, along with artist Anne Ganucheau Cicero and Laurie Smith of AmaWaterways, for a 45-minute presentation about the trip. 

For a quick hit, take a look at this three-minute slide show summary and prospectus.