Setting up your mobile phone for indoor photos

These days, most smartphones have cameras with sufficient quality to capture good photos. In many cases, the default options will be adequate. However, here are some tips to optimise your phone camera settings:

Adjust the camera resolution and quality

Go to the camera app on your phone. Look for the resolution settings and choose the highest possible for more detailed images.

Use HDR mode (High Dynamic Range)

HDR mode helps balance the bright and dark areas in a photo. Only activate HDR mode when necessary, such as when taking photos in environments with significant light contrasts.

Use autofocus

Let the camera automatically adjust the focus or tap the screen to focus on a specific area.

Stabilisation and tripod

Some phones have built-in image stabilisation that you can activate. If possible, use a tripod to avoid blurry images due to lack of stability. There are also compact, extendable, and affordable monopods available.

Use the grid

Activate the grid on the screen to help align and compose your photos better.

Avoid digital zoom

Avoid using digital zoom as it can degrade the image quality. Instead, physically move closer to the object or use editing software after taking the photo.

Turn off the flash

In indoor photography, the flash is not very helpful. This will help avoid unwanted reflections and shadows.

Check that the lens is clean

Remember that a mobile phone is constantly in our hands and we may accidentally touch the camera. Many blurry photos or strange flares are due to a small fingerprint on the lens.

Advanced Settings

Adjust White Balance

Select the appropriate white balance setting for indoor lighting. While the automatic mode generally works well, you can choose from preset settings such as daylight, tungsten, or fluorescent.

Control ISO Sensitivity

Only if you understand the function of ISO (sensor sensitivity), manually adjust the ISO sensitivity to avoid excessively dark or noisy images. Use a low ISO (100-400) for well-lit situations and a higher ISO for darker environments.

Set Exposure

Control the exposure to prevent important areas of the image from being overexposed or underexposed. You can adjust the exposure by tapping different parts of the screen in the camera app.