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OUR SMARTPHONE CAMERAS are pretty advanced but for many of us, we tend to rely solely on auto to capture our shots.
While it works for the most part, getting to know the different features and the difference between taking good and great photos. It doesn’t take too long to learn.
Depending on the type of smartphone software you’re using, your options will vary somewhat, but there are basic features in place. Here are the main ones.
Grid - Superimposes a grid on your screen to help you take better photos. This is to help you with the rule of thirds which recommends you place the subject where the lines intersect. A good rule of thumb to have.
Flash - In theory, it’s used to brighten up low-light subjects but in reality, it adds a harsh light to photos you take. There are cases where it works, but for the most part, it’s better to turn it off completely as the auto-function can activate a little too often in certain cases.
Exposure - Adjusts the lighting of a photo before you take it. This is usually tied in with the focus feature which is done by tapping on the screen, but most cameras allow you to adjust it manually.
Timer – Mainly used for when you’re taking a selfie, allowing you time to get yourself in place. Other than that, its use is limited.
HDR - High Dynamic Range. The reason it takes longer to take a photo is because it’s actually taking three photos of varying brightness and stitching them together. It’s better to use this for landscape and low-light situations.
ISO – This adjusts the sensitivity to lighting in the photo. The higher the number, the more light it will take in. It’s better to adjust this for low-light situations than to use the flash on your camera, but by cranking it up, it also increases the level of noise a photo has so be sure to test it out before sticking to one level.
Zoom - Usually done by pinching the screen or using the volume buttons. Honestly, you’re best avoiding this entirely as digital zoom reduces the quality of the image.
Instead, get as close to the subject as possible, or if that isn’t achievable, then take the photo and crop it when editing. Either one will provide a better result.
Resolution - The higher it is, the sharper your image will be when you blow it up. This is more important if you’re deciding whether to email or message a photo.
A low-resolution photo would be better suited towards messaging as it’s small in size, but grainy when put up on a large screen, and vice versa.
Burst Mode - Takes numerous photos in one go. Any photo that has a moving subject is a prime candidate for this setting as numerous shots have a better chance of capturing it than one single photo.
While it’s handy to know these features, it’s good to know the basics of taking a good photo as all the tools and editing features in the world won’t disguise a bad shot. Also, don’t forget your phone can save numerous photos so don’t be afraid to take many with different settings.
Amazing that you win one match, and you get into the qualifers
@The Firestarter: the would have got in even if they lost against France, tho likely unseeded
@The Firestarter: what are you talking about?
@The Firestarter: kinda hard not to qualify
@The Firestarter: zzzzzzzzzz
@john kenny: zz
Big hard man Damien O’Sullivan giving pelters to women who have achieved more in their lives than he ever will. Damien, you are a troll on the Internet and these woman are representing their country. They stand head and shoulders above people like you. Let that sink in.
@Sun Rise: As ever you are brave behind your keyboard and fake name. The fact you call people trolls while trolling the internet behind tells a lot about the person behind the account.
@Ger Whelan: you are a vicious piece of work. He is defending the womens team show respect boy.
@Sean Money: was it Putin’s fault the girls didn’t win all their games?
@Ger Whelan: you are a sick puppy. Be happy Ireland won.
@Sean Money: Erm they didn’t win . They finished bottom of their group with 1 win out of 5 games. Hardly worth celebrating
@Sun Rise: I reported you just now.
Hopefully the last comment you’ll ever make on this.
I repeat. The current team is useless they were much better under Vera. Constructive criticism, not some misogynistic agenda you’re pushing.
Suck on that.
@Sun Rise: God help the team if they have likes of you ‘looking out’ for them.
You’ll be hearing from the Journal soon. Bye bye a*****e.
Good draw
They’re useless
@Damien O’Sullivan: i hope your talking about FFG,,,
@Damien O’Sullivan: Damien give that phone back to your mother until you mature a bit like a good little boy.
@James Leahy: Just criticising the current team. They were better under Vera.
Why don’t you run off and troll elsewhere fool. You have no idea what you’re talking about
@james rowan: Yeah them too
Nobody is interested in women’s soccer, it’s just not very good
@Auld Lad: 16 000 in Pairc Ui Caoimh.
@Auld Lad: another Immature small boy pretending to be an Auld lad.
@James Leahy: oh look, here’s the white Knight on his steed, getting offended on behalf of women everywhere
@Sean O’Dhubhghaill: been to bigger raves
@Auld Lad: yeah we can tell…oh the irony
@Auld Lad: doubt you’ve left your mother’s basement in the past ten years.
No stopping them now after they beat France so easily
have your say