FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
Royal Air Maroc

How to Get Amazing Pictures on Your Smartphone Camera

by Benjamin Kerns

Oct 9, 2014

© Syda Productions | Dreamstime

Tips / Travel

While shooting photographs with a camera phone will never give you the high-quality shots of a DSLR, you can still get some pretty great photos if you know what you’re doing. Here are some tips to help you best utilize that smartphone camera function.

 

Avoid the Zoom

Most smartphones come equipped with an eight-megapixel resolution, so degrading the photo quality by zooming in is never a good idea. Instead, take the photo in full view and crop the sections you want to focus on.

 

Turn it Sideways

Landscape orientation is invariably better than portrait when it comes to photos. You’ll fit more in the frame and won’t be stuck with those black bars above and below your photos that you have to edit out later.

 

Forget the Flash

The flash in a smartphone camera is actually just an LED light that goes off when you snap the picture. It doesn’t provide the same type of lighting that an actual camera flash should and will only light up the space a couple of feet in front of your camera. Avoid it unless you like dark backgrounds in your photos.

 

Choose Your Timing Wisely

Since the flash is all but useless, the timing and setting of your photo is important. Cloudy days are perfect for smartphone cameras because they provide softer lighting, while twilight works great because it creates colors that pop.

 

Placement is Everything

Putting your subject in the center of the camera makes for poor compositions. Try moving it to the left or right to add in some background and perspective. It creates drama and depth and allows your subject to truly stand out.

 

Buy a Lens

That’s right, they make lenses for smartphone cameras. You can purchase a lens that will allow close-ups for small objects or will widen your shot for great landscape portraits. There are quite a few available nowadays and a simple Amazon search will turn up many options.

 

#TrazeeTravel

Insta Feed
Hotel
Mar 27, 2025

6 Eco-Friendly Resorts Honoring Earth Day Every Day

While Earth Day is a day to celebrate our planet, it’s important to respect and honor Earth every day. That’s just what these six resorts do, putting sustainability first year-round.

Unveiling Europe’s Treasures with AmaWaterways River Cruises

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with AmaWaterways, recognized as Best River Cruise Line by Cruise Critic. What sets AmaWaterways apart is its commitment to offering you the luxury of more. With up to eight daily included excursion options, you have the freedom to tailor your journey to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a culinary enthusiast or an architecture aficionado, there's something for everyone on the meticulously crafted itineraries. You will also be treated to a range of exquisitely prepared meals in the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine and beer during lunch and dinner, an array of complimentary host-led fitness classes, and so much more.

Dining/Entertainment
Mar 27, 2025

The Peninsula New York Introduces Sunday Brunch Buffet

The Peninsula New York recently introduced The Peninsula Sunday Brunch Buffet at Clement, the hotel’s contemporary American restaurant, offered weekly 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Popular brunch classics pair with live music, ensuring a perfect dining option for both hotel guests and Manhattanites alike.

Hotel
Mar 26, 2025

Andaz, Hebru Brantley Debut Away We Go Collab

Andaz recently debuted its capsule collaboration with artist Hebru Brantley, named Away We Go and available at Andaz West Hollywood, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht and Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills. Brantley is known for his Afrofuturist style and narrative-driven work. At the hotels, guests experience Brantley’s work through room takeovers and a limited-edition capsule collection.

AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises

When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.

Hotel
Mar 26, 2025

Have the Ultimate Solo Travel Adventure at This Belize Resort

With 40 percent of women expressing interest in solo travel, Alaia Belize welcomes solo female travelers like no other. This resort offers an immersive experience into local Caribbean culture while offering luxury amenities for ultimate relaxation.