5 great photography effects on mobile devices

 This guide will share the types of photography effects you should learn about and includes example photos for each type. You'll also discover tips to make them work better.

1. Black and white photo effect

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Black and white photography is one of the most fascinating genres of smartphone photography to learn. It works especially well with smartphones because reducing saturation in photos (while adding a bit of contrast) can take away the flatness that comes with phone photos.

Images can be desaturated in many ways. Many camera apps will allow you to choose a filter that removes color from your photo. On top of that, you can use filters on Instagram and other social media platforms. Additionally, apps like VSCO and Lightroom have presets that allow creating black and white photos.

2. Blur effect

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You might think that the blur effect only involves using external lighting, but that's not the case. Bokeh can involve blurring other backgrounds, such as trees. If your smartphone has a function that allows you to control aperture, such as Aperture Mode on iOS, you have the option to experiment with this effect and see what the results will be.

When taking photos with bokeh, pay attention to how the background interacts with the subject. For example, you can make your subject really stand out by applying color theory to your creative projects. There are several ways to create a blur effect with the camera that also apply to smartphones, such as getting closer to the subject.

3. Shoot in film camera style

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Film camera style shooting has quickly become the favorite shooting style of many people. You can create this effect on your smartphone in many ways.

VSCO and Lightroom are two options, but many people also like the DAZE CAM app (the downside is that it's only available on iOS).

1. (In-app purchases available, free)

When creating film-style images, you can experiment with each of the following options:

1. Add film particles
2. Light leaks
3. Add date in retro style

There are several other ways you can create Polaroid and film-style photos.

4. Take high-contrast photos

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Taking high-contrast photos is usually something you do in post-production, and increasing contrast is a fairly easy slider in whatever photo editing software you use. High-contrast photography works best on overcast days and in scenes with lots of color.

5. Lens flare

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Lens flare is quite difficult to achieve on a smartphone, but not impossible. You can create this effect by pointing your smartphone towards the sun or a bright light source. Some difficulties associated with this include the rest of the photo lacking detail and the light source not creating glare if you touch it.

Lens flare should be tested during periods of softer light, such as during golden hour. It is difficult to achieve good results when trying to shoot with this effect during the day, however, your situation may be different.

Micah Soto

Update 10 July 2024