A National Geographic photographer gave me 4 tips for taking better pictures with my phone. I tried them and the results blew me away.

Joey HaddenMar 4, 2023, 17:52 IST

An Insider reporter's phone photos from a hike in Arizona show how to use a National Geographic photographer's tips.Joey Hadden/Insider

National Geographic photographer Kiliii Yüyan shared his best tips for phone photography.
To take better pictures on your phone, Yüyan suggests getting closer and trying new angles.

I've been taking photos on film and digital cameras for nearly a decade. But now that I travel more than ever before, I thought it was time to learn about my smallest, most nimble camera — my phone.

The author shoots on a large-format film camera in Dallas, Texas, in 2018.Joey Hadden/Insider

I've been taking photos on film and digital cameras for nearly a decade. But now that I travel more than ever before, I thought it was time to learn about my smallest, most nimble camera — my phone.

To improve my phone photography skills, I recently talked to a National Geographic photographer about how to take mobile phone pictures that truly stand out.

A photo illustration of the National Geographic logo displayed on a smartphone.Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Once I put his tips to use, I saw what a big difference they made in making my photos feel more powerful.

Photos from the author's camera roll show phone photos from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

For the best lighting, backgrounds, and immersive shots, Yüyan told me to take my time and shoot a lot. He was right.

iPhone snapshots from around the US where the author waited around for optimal light and striking backgrounds.Joey Hadden/Insider

Next, Yüyan said to take advantage of how small and lightweight phones are by shooting from angles we don't often see while observing the world, like looking up at your subject from below.

The author photographs her dog from different angles in New York.Joey Hadden/Insider

Next, Yüyan said to take advantage of how small and lightweight phones are by shooting from angles we don't often see while observing the world, like looking up at your subject from below.

I've also seen how shooting from beneath widely-photographed landmarks makes my pictures stand out more.

The author photographs the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in NYC in 2019 (L) and 2021 (R).Joey Hadden/Insider

Yüyan also told me that I can make photos of epic scenery stand out more by placing something in the foreground.

The author photographs a beach in Santa Cruz, California.Joey Hadden/Insider

In my opinion, including foreground subjects in my nature shots has made them feel more immersive.

The author photographs Prescott, Arizona, in 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

Yüyan's last tip suggests camera phones work best up close.

The author photographs a tree outside of Venice, Italy, in 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

When taking close-up shots on my phone, I also find that the results often show a more intimate view of my experience, like when I bought fresh pasta in Italy.

The author photographs fresh pasta in Italy in 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

Yüyan's tips left me feeling inspired, and I can't wait to apply them to my future travels.

The author takes a selfie in Neustrelitz, Germany, in 2022.Joey Hadden/Insider

I paid $2,650 to fly in Finnair's new business-class pods that don't recline. It was the best sleep I've ever had on a plane.

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A National Geographic photographer gave me 4 tips for taking better pictures with my phone. I tried them and the results blew me away.

I've been taking photos on film and digital cameras for nearly a decade. But now that I travel more than ever before, I thought it was time to learn about my smallest, most nimble camera — my phone.

To improve my phone photography skills, I recently talked to a National Geographic photographer about how to take mobile phone pictures that truly stand out.

Once I put his tips to use, I saw what a big difference they made in making my photos feel more powerful.

For the best lighting, backgrounds, and immersive shots, Yüyan told me to take my time and shoot a lot. He was right.

Next, Yüyan said to take advantage of how small and lightweight phones are by shooting from angles we don't often see while observing the world, like looking up at your subject from below.

I've also seen how shooting from beneath widely-photographed landmarks makes my pictures stand out more.

Yüyan also told me that I can make photos of epic scenery stand out more by placing something in the foreground.

In my opinion, including foreground subjects in my nature shots has made them feel more immersive.

Yüyan's last tip suggests camera phones work best up close.

When taking close-up shots on my phone, I also find that the results often show a more intimate view of my experience, like when I bought fresh pasta in Italy.

Yüyan's tips left me feeling inspired, and I can't wait to apply them to my future travels.