Mobile Photography Basics That Make Editing Easier

Shoot slightly darker than looks right

Highlights that clip are gone forever; shadows can usually be lifted. Tap to focus, then drag the exposure slider down about a third. Editing gets much easier.

Leave room in the frame

Crop later, not in the moment. A little extra space lets you straighten horizons and reframe for different aspect ratios without losing the subject.

Find the light before the pose

Open shade, a window, or the last hour before sunset will do more for a photo than any preset. Hard midday sun is the one condition worth avoiding.

Tip. If you can see a bright reflection in someone eyes, the light is working.

Turn off the extras

Beauty filters, heavy HDR and in-camera stylisation bake decisions into the file that you cannot undo later. Shoot as plain as your phone allows, ideally RAW.

• Disable beauty mode entirely
• HDR on auto, not forced
• Use RAW or Pro mode if available