Practical tips for smartphones

We've put together tips on how to set up your camera and compose a photo.

Camera settings  

Take good photos of your accommodation with your phone. Here's how to set up your camera and compose a photo. 

Activate grid

Grids can help you frame an image and determine if it is straight. Here's how to adjust your grids:

• For iphone: Go to settings > camera and switch your phone's grid to On.
• For android: Launch the camera app, go to Settings, scroll down and switch the Gridlines option to On. 

If you want more tips on how to use grids, check out the rule of thirds below. 

Switch off the flash  

Flash can create a harsh look, so bright natural light is preferable. If your space has windows, try photographing it during the brightest time of day. If your space doesn't have windows, you can turn on lights to create a cosy atmosphere. 

How to switch off the flash

To switch off the flash, open the camera app, find the flash icon and select Off. 

Check the image resolution

The sharpest photos have a resolution of at least 2048x1365 pixels. Your storage settings may be optimised to save only low-resolution images, so check that you are saving high-resolution images from your shoot. You can go back and change this at any time once you have taken your photos. 

Composing a professional photo

Here are some do's and don'ts for taking quality photos. 

Straight lines

• Hold your phone straight and parallel to the floor.
• To centre the furniture you want to include, you may need to raise or lower your hands.
• In bedrooms, you should focus on the bed and in the living room, for example, the sofa.
• A good rule of thumb is that the camera should always be at a height where you can see the tops of beds, tables and worktops. 

Do not

Do not raise your phone above your head to get a better view and do not hold it at any angle as this results in poorer photos and often produces unwanted distortion. 

Follow the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is a principle of photo composition that divides an image into thirds, horizontally and vertically. This creates nine squares and four places where the lines intersect. By activating the grid feature on your phone and using the rule of thirds, you can make sure your photos are straight and have a good composition. 

Do

Place the focus of the image where the grid lines intersect (which is right next to the centre). Position your phone so that the focus of your image - your sofa, bed or table - is placed where the lines cross to the left or right of the screen.

Do not

Don't place your centre of focus in the bottom or top third, you may miss important information. Take photos with focus. 

Do

Use autofocus so you don't have to adjust the focus manually. 

Do not

Do not take photos with one hand. If you hold the phone with both hands, you'll hold it steadier and get clearer pictures. You can also try resting your elbows on your ribs to keep your hands steady.