Want to channel the likes of Kim Kardashian and take more engaging snaps for your social media? Closer spoke to Isaac Renyolds, Product Manager for Google’s Pixel Cameras, to find out how you can pose up like an A lister.
Forget red carpets, everyone's taking the incredible pics now from the comfort of their own homes and it's all about knowing how to use all the camera tricks on your mobile. So if you want to take better pics and increase your following at the same time, we have all the best hacks. Step aside Kim and Kylie Jenner.
We asked Isaac the top five questions to get the best out of your mobile and start becoming the Queen of Instagram.
What are your tips for taking the best pics of your phone?
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Clean your lens. A dirty camera lens can cause your photos to be blurry or out of focus. Use a soft cloth or microfiber to remove any dirt or fingerprints. If you go too long between cleanings, your Pixel will remind you too.
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Use natural light. Lighting is a crucial element in photography. Always try to take photos in natural light or well-lit areas where the main light is in front of or to the side of what you’re photographing.
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Get Close: For portraits shots, move closer to your subject, so their head and shoulders fill the image. Use the Portrait mode on Google Pixel to help achieve the best results. This will help you capture more detail and give a more intimate feel to your photos.
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Angles: Experiment with various angles and perspectives. Shooting from above or below can give an interesting and unique feel to your photos. You can take advantage of the 30x super res zoom feature on the Google Pixel 7 Pro to capture some splendid photos.
How can you get the best lighting for indoors and outdoors?
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Indoor Lighting: Use natural light by positioning your subject near a window with the light on their face, not behind them. This gives a soft lighting feel to make your photos more natural. Overhead lighting and direct sunlight can create harsh shadows so try to avoid them.
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Outdoor Lighting: Shooting directly into the sun can create a silhouette effect and make your photos dark. Instead, position your subject with the sun behind them or to the side. The best is to put your subject in shade. At night, or events with low light, the Night Sight feature on the GooglePixel uses AI and Tensor G2 to give crisp and beautiful results without using the flash.
What tips do you have for having the perfect background? Are there tips for indoor and when shooting outside?
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Simplicity works every time. A simple and uncluttered background helps you or your subject stand out and prevent distractions in your photos. Use plain walls or neutral backdrops. Sometimes simply changing the position of your subject can help you create a better backdrop. Wait until there are no bystanders in your photos, or use Magic Eraser on Pixel to remove any that just won’t move on.
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Also consider using props & accessories to create an interesting background. For example, flowers, plants, and decor items add texture and depth of field to your photos.
Where should you position your camera for a selfie – high or low? Can you use a tripod? What is the most flattering?
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Generally speaking, positioning your camera slightly above eye level can help you achieve a more flattering selfie than a low angle as that can create unflattering shadows and make your face look wider. However the best option for your camera will ultimately depend on your individual features and preferences. AI and Machine Learning in Google Pixel camera helps generate accurate exposure and colour in selfies, and enabling Frequent Faces helps even more
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What are your best tips for occasion photography?
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Best Travel Shot: Try to capture the essence of the place you visit when taking travel photos. Consider including people in your photos to add a human element and tell a story.
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Proposal: Try to capture the surprise and emotion of the moment. Position yourself in a discreet location where you can capture without getting notice. Pixel Pro Zoom on the Google Pixel 7 Pro will be your best partner in situations like this to capture close up shots of a couple's reactions.
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Pregnancy Announcement: Consider using props such as baby shoes or ultrasound photos as props. Choose a location meaningful to the parents and consider using soft light to create a warm and intimate feel.